[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 53 (Friday, March 18, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14803-14804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-6338]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0079]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Townsend Inlet, Avalon, NJ

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 
Townsends Inlet Bridge across, mile 0.3, at Avalon, NJ. The deviation 
is necessary to facilitate the cleaning and painting of the structure. 
This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for 
the deviation period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on March 1, 2011 to 5 
p.m. on April 30, 2011.

[[Page 14804]]


ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0079 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0079 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 Mr. Terrance A. Knowles, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Fifth District; Coast Guard; 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 Cape May County Bridge Commission 
(CMCBC), who owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to facilitate 
the cleaning and painting of the bridge structure. Under the regular 
operating schedule required by 33 CFR 117.757, the bridge opens on 
signal, except from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday in 
March of every year, the draw need not open for vessels. If the fourth 
Sunday falls on a religious holiday, the draw need not open from 9:15 
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of March of every year. From 11 
p.m. on December 24 until 11 p.m. on December 25, the draw need open 
only if at least two hours notice is given.
    The Townsend Inlet Bridge, mile 0.3, in Avalon, NJ, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 23 feet above mean high water. 
Vessels that can transit under the bridge without an opening may do so 
at any time. Under this temporary deviation, CMCBC will maintain the 
bridge in the closed position to vessels beginning at 5 a.m. on March 
1, 2011 until and including 5 p.m. on April 30, 2011.
    In 2010, during the months of March and April, the bridge has 
opened for vessels 62 and 45 times, respectively. The majority of the 
vessels for which the bridge opened were tugs and barges being used for 
beach replenishment.
    The Coast Guard will inform 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 have two alternate routes by transiting either eight miles 
to the south through Hereford Inlet or eight miles to the north through 
Corson Inlet. 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: March 7, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-6338 Filed 3-17-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P