[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59476-59477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27635]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2009-0976]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Between Tacony, 
PA and Palmyra, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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[[Page 59477]]

SUMMARY: The Commander Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73), across the Delaware River, mile 107.2 
between the townships of Tacony, PA and Palmyra, NJ. The deviation is 
necessary to facilitate the resurfacing of the bridge roadway. This 
deviation reduces the vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed 
position by three feet and restricts operation of the draw span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. on November 16, 2009, 
until 5 a.m. on December 23, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0976 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-0976 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search.'' They are also available 
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or e-mail Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, 
Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6587, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 
117.5 and 117.716(b) to facilitate the resurfacing of the bridge 
roadway.
    The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73) at mile 107.2, across the 
Delaware River, between Tacony, PA and Palmyra, NJ, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position to vessels of 53 feet above mean high 
water (MHW). This clearance will be reduced for safety netting by 
approximately three feet to 50 feet above MHW.
    Under this temporary deviation, the resurfacing repairs will 
restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and 
times:
    Closed-to-navigation each day from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., from 9 p.m. on 
November 16, 2009 to 5 a.m. on November 24, 2009; and from 9 p.m. on 
November 30, 2009 to 5 a.m. on December 23, 2009; except vessel 
openings will be provided with at least four hours advance notice given 
to the bridge operator at (856) 829-3002 or via marine radio on Channel 
13. The drawbridge will open in the event of an emergency. Vessels that 
can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all 
times. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this 
section of the Delaware River.
    The Coast Guard has coordinated the restrictions with the Delaware 
River Pilots Association and will inform the other users of the 
waterways through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the 
closure periods for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their 
transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 6, 2009.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, by direction of the Commander, 
Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E9-27635 Filed 11-17-09; 8:45 am]
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