[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-434]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2009-1093]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), 
Inside Thorofare, Ventnor City, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Dorset Avenue Bridge, at ICW mile 71.2, across Inside Thorofare, at 
Ventnor City. This bridge is a double-leaf bascule drawbridge. The 
deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate 
structural rehabilitation to one of the bascule leafs.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on January 20, 2010 
until 11 p.m. on April 17, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1093 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-1093 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 Mrs. Sandra Elliott, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth 
District; Coast Guard; telephone 757-398-6557, 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 Dorset Avenue Bridge has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 9 feet at mean high water and 12 
feet at mean low water.
    A.P. Construction, Inc., on behalf of Atlantic County who owns and 
operates this double-leaf bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 
117.733(g), to facilitate deck repairs.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will provide a 
partial opening of the lift spans for vessels. The deck repairs require 
immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation beginning 
at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, until and including 11 p.m. 
on Saturday, April 17, 2010.
    Consequently, passage under the bridge will be limited to a 25-foot 
width for the duration of the project.
    The single-bascule leaf not under repair will continue to open for 
vessels. Prior to an opening of this single-bascule leaf, a work barge 
occupying the channel underneath this span will also be moved. Finally, 
the drawbridge will open in the event of an emergency.
    Bridge opening data, supplied by Atlantic County and reviewed by 
the U.S. Coast Guard, revealed a small amount of vessel openings of the 
draw span from January 2009 to April 2009. Specifically, the bridge 
opened for vessels 4, 11, 11, and 19 times during the months of January 
to April 2009, respectively. Vessels that can pass under the bridge 
without a full bridge opening may continue to do so at all times. 
Mariners requiring the full opening of the lift spans will be directed 
to use the Atlantic Ocean as the alternate route.
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway 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: December 18, 2009.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, By direction of the Commander, 
Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2010-434 Filed 1-12-10; 8:45 am]
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