[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76279-76280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30745]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2010-1073]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; James River, Hopewell, 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 
SR 156 Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge, across the James River, mile 
65.0, at Hopewell, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate 
mechanical repairs to the vertical lift span. This deviation allows the 
drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 
16, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket USCG-2010-1073 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-1073 in the ``Keywords'' 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 reviewing the docket, 
call Renne V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, (202) 366-
9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
who owns and operates this vertical-lift type bridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.5, which requires the bridge to open promptly and fully when 
a request to open is given. In the closed to navigation position the SR 
156 Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge across the James River, mile 
65.0, at Hopewell, VA has a vertical clearance of 50 feet above mean 
high water. The purpose of the deviation is to facilitate structural 
repairs.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position to facilitate repairs to the skew 
couplings that keep the vertical lift portion of the bridge balanced. 
The lift span will be closed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 16, 
2010.
    Typical vessel traffic on the James River includes a variety of 
vessels from freighters, tug and barge traffic, and recreational 
vessels. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge 
opening may continue to do so at anytime. There are no alternate routes 
for vessels transiting this section of the James River and the 
drawbridge will be unable to open in the event of an emergency.
    The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with 
commercial and recreational waterway

[[Page 76280]]

users. Additionally, the Coast Guard will inform unexpected users of 
the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice 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 draw must return to its 
original 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: November 24, 2010.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2010-30745 Filed 12-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P