[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 43 (Friday, March 4, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11960-11961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-4854]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0116]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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 regulation governing the operation of the 
Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge, across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, 
at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw 
span to facilitate the cleaning and painting of the structure.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on March 15, 2011 
through 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of the docket USCG-2011-0116 and are available 
online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,

[[Page 11961]]

inserting USCG-2011-0116 in the ``Keywords'' 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 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 Renne V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, (202) 366-
9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical-lift bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to 
facilitate painting of the structure.
    Under the regular operating schedule the bridge opens on signal as 
required by 33 CFR 117.5, except that under 33 CFR 117.823, the draw 
need not open for the passage of vessels from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the 
second Saturday of July and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Sunday 
of November every year.
    The Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge across the Cape Fear River, 
mile 26.8, at Wilmington, NC has vertical clearances in the open and 
closed positions of 135 feet and 65 feet above mean high water, 
respectively.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will operate as 
follows: From 7 a.m. on March 15, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 
2011 vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance 
notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine 
radio on channel 18 VHF. In addition, to accommodate scaffolding, the 
available vertical clearances of portions of the drawbridge (up to half 
of the drawbridge at one time) will be reduced by approximately four 
feet to 131 feet and 61 feet above mean high water, respectively. There 
are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Cape 
Fear River.
    Typical vessel traffic on the Cape Fear 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.
    The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with 
commercial and recreational waterway users. The Coast Guard will use 
Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners to inform all users of the 
waterway 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 
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: February 23, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-4854 Filed 3-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P