[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 165 (Thursday, August 26, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52461-52462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-21303]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2010-0761]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Pocomoke River, Snow Hill, 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 
S12

[[Page 52462]]

Bridge across the Pocomoke River, mile 29.9, at Snow Hill, MD. The 
deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate the 
cleaning and painting of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on September 8, 2010 to 
7 p.m. on October 8, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0761 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-0761 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 Maryland State Highway Administration 
(SHA), who owns and operates this single leaf bascule drawbridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to 
facilitate cleaning and painting the structure. Under the regular 
operating schedule, the bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 
117.569(c) if at least five hours advance notice is given.
    The S12 Bridge across Pocomoke River, mile 29.9 at Snow Hill MD, 
has a vertical clearance in the closed position of two feet above mean 
high water and five feet above mean low water. Under this temporary 
deviation, the contractor has requested to maintain the bridge in the 
closed position to vessels beginning at 7 a.m. on September 8, 2010 
until and including 7 p.m. on October 8, 2010.
    Bridge opening data supplied by SHA and reviewed by the Coast Guard 
revealed, from August 2009 to October 2009, the bridge opened for 
vessels 57, 57, and 48 times, respectively. During the same period on 
the weekdays, the bridge opened 13, 14, and 13 times, respectively, 
with the majority of the vessel openings on the weekends for a fishing 
tournament.
    The Coast Guard has coordinated the restrictions with the local 
users of the waterway. The Coast Guard will inform other waterway users 
of the bridge closure periods through our Local and Broadcast Notices 
to Mariners so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any 
impact caused by the temporary deviation. There are no alternate routes 
for vessels transiting this section of the Pocomoke River but 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 11, 2010.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2010-21303 Filed 8-25-10; 8:45 am]
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