[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19245-19246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8476]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2010-0217]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Berkley Bridge (I-264), across the Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
mile 0.4, at Norfolk, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate 
structural repairs to the lift spans. This deviation allows the 
drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 p.m. on April 23, 2010 
through 4:30 a.m. on June 21, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0217 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-0217 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 Virginia Department of Transportation, 
who owns and operates this bascule-type drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.1007(b) and (c) to facilitate the resurfacing of the bridge 
roadway, as modified by the temporary deviation at Docket No. USCG-
2010-0083, published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2010, 75 Fed. 
Reg. 9521.

[[Page 19246]]

    The Berkley Bridge (I-264) at mile 0.4, across the Elizabeth River, 
Eastern Branch, in Norfolk, VA, has a vertical clearance in the closed 
position of 48 feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position on four separate weekends 
beginning at 8 p.m. on Fridays until and including 4:30 a.m. on Mondays 
from April 23-26, 2010; April 30-May 3, 2010; May 14-17, 2010; and from 
June 4-7, 2010. In addition, if severe or inclement weather occurs, the 
alternate closure dates will be rescheduled to May 7-10, 2010 and/or 
June 18-21, 2010. During these closure periods, vessel openings of the 
draw spans along with the removal of barges in the waterway will be 
provided if at least two hours advance notice is given to the bridge 
operator at (757) 494-2490. No marine events are scheduled during these 
time periods and the waterway will still allow for the passage of 
vessels of heights less than 48 feet.
    Smaller vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge 
opening may do so at most times. There are no alternate routes for 
vessels transiting this section of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth 
River. The bridge can be opened for emergencies but may be delayed by 
two hours.
    The waterway users are large commercial vessels, tugs, barges, and 
smaller leisure craft. The Berkley Bridge opens rarely on weekends for 
larger commercial vessels, approximately 2-3 times/weekend. The Coast 
Guard has coordinated the restrictions with the commercial and 
recreational waterway users. 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 impacts 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: April 1, 2010.
Patrick B. Trapp,
Captain, United States Coast Guard, Acting Commander, Fifth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2010-8476 Filed 4-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P