[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 158 (Tuesday, August 17, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50707-50708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20250]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2010-0479]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; 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 approved a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Pennington Avenue Bridge, across Curtis Creek, mile 0.9, at Baltimore, 
MD. This deviation allows the bridge to operate on a restricted 
schedule to facilitate structural repairs.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on August 5, 2010, to 
11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2010. This document is effective from date of 
signature due to safety concerns created by the structural repairs.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0479 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-0479 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available 
for inspection or copying at two locations: 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 State Highway Administration, 
who owns and operates this double-leaf bascule drawbridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current general operating 
regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.5 that requires the bridge to open 
promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is 
given, to facilitate structural repair.
    The Pennington Avenue Bridge has a vertical clearance in the closed 
position to vessels of 38 feet, above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge with four lift spans 
will provide full and partial openings of the spans for vessels on 
different dates and times. To facilitate the replacement of the grid 
deck, floor beams and stringers, the drawbridge will be maintained in 
closed position to vessels to include immobilizing half of the draw 
spans to single-leaf operation. The drawbridge will operate as follows:
    (1) Closed to vessels beginning at 6 a.m. on August 5, 2010 until 
and including 11:59 p.m. on August 22, 2010; however, vessels openings 
will be provided if at least 48 hours advance notice is given;
    (2) Single leaf operation on the northwest side span starting at 5 
a.m. on August 22, 2010 or after the vessel IDA

[[Page 50708]]

LEWIS has passed until and including 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2010. 
The opposite connecting spans on the south side while not under repair 
will continue to open for vessels;
    (3) Closed to vessels beginning at 6 a.m. on September 12, 2010 
until and including 11:59 p.m. on October 6, 2010; however, vessels 
openings will be provided if at least 48 hours advance notice is given;
    (4) Single leaf operation on the northeast side span starting at 5 
a.m. on October 8, 2010 until and including 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 
2010. The opposite connecting spans on the south side while not under 
repair will continue to open for vessels;
    (5) Closed to vessels beginning at 6 a.m. on October 29, 2010 until 
and including 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2010; however, vessels openings 
will be provided if at least 48 hours advance notice is given.
    Coast Guard vessels bound for the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay, 
as well as a significant amount of commercial vessel traffic, must pass 
through the Pennington Avenue 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.
    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 drawbridge will be able to open in 
the event of an emergency.
    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: August 5, 2010.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2010-20250 Filed 8-16-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P