[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1705-1706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-437]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2009-1107]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD

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 
I695 Bridge across Curtis Creek, mile 0.9, at Baltimore, MD. The 
deviation is necessary to facilitate mechanical repairs to the bridge. 
This temporary deviation allows the drawbridge to remain in the closed 
position during the deviation period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on January 9, 2010, to 8 
p.m. on March 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1107 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-1107 in the 
``Keyword'' box, and then clicking ``Search.'' This material is also 
available for inspection or copying 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 Mr. Bill H. Brazier, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth 
Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6422, 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 Maryland Transportation Authority, who 
owns and operates this double-leaf bascule drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set forth in 
33 CFR 117.557 to facilitate mechanical repairs.
    The I695 Bridge, a double-leaf bascule drawbridge, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position to vessels of 58 feet, above mean high 
water. The draw of the bridge shall open on signal if at least a

[[Page 1706]]

one-hour notice is given to the Maryland Transportation Authority in 
Baltimore, as required by 33 CFR 117.557.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed position to vessels to facilitate repairs to trunnion 
bearings on two separate closure periods. The first period will begin 
at 8 a.m. on January 9, 2010, until and including 8 p.m. on February 6, 
2010; and the second period will start again at 8 a.m. on March 1, 
2010, until and including 8 p.m. on March 28, 2010. Vessels may pass 
underneath the bridge while the bridge is in the closed position. There 
are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of Curtis 
Creek and the bridge will not be able to open in the event of an 
emergency.
    Coast Guard vessels bound for the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay, 
as well as a significant amount of commercial vessel traffic, must pass 
beneath the I695 Bridge. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with the Yard and the commercial users of the waterway. 
Additionally, the Coast Guard will inform unexpected 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 24, 2009.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2010-437 Filed 1-12-10; 8:45 am]
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