[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23187-23188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9988]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0276]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway 
(NJICW), Beach Thorofare, 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 
Route 30/Absecon Boulevard Bridge across Beach Thorofare, at NJICW mile 
67.2, at Atlantic City, NJ. This deviation is necessary to facilitate 
extensive rehabilitation and maintenance in order to maintain the 
bridge's operational integrity. Under this deviation, the bascule lift 
span of the drawbridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position 
for the extent of the effective period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on September 16, 2011 
through 11:59 p.m. on January 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0276 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0276 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,

[[Page 23188]]

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 Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Bridge Administrator, Fifth 
Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6222, 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 New Jersey Department of Transportation 
(NJDOT) owns and operates the bascule-lift span of the Route 30/Absecon 
Boulevard Bridge across Beach Thorofare along the NJICW, at Atlantic 
City, NJ. The bridge has a vertical clearance, in the closed position, 
to vessels of 20 feet, above mean high water. The current operating 
regulations are outlined at 33 CFR 117.733(e), which require that the 
bridge shall open on signal but only if at least four hours of notice 
is given; except that from April 1 through October 31, from 7 a.m. to 
11 p.m., the draw need only open on the hour.
    The contractor, IEW Construction Group, on behalf of NJDOT, has 
requested a temporary deviation to the existing regulations for the 
Route 30/Absecon Boulevard Bridge in order to facilitate necessary 
repairs. The work primarily consists of replacing span locks, 
substructure and superstructure structural repairs, seismic retrofit of 
piers, cleaning and painting bearings, upgrading the mechanical and 
electrical systems and renovating the operator and gate house. Under 
this deviation, the bascule lift span of the drawbridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. on 
September 16, 2011, through 11:59 p.m. on January 13, 2012.
    Bridge opening data, supplied by NJDOT and reviewed by the Coast 
Guard, revealed vessel openings of the draw span between the months of 
September and December in 2010 and in January 2011. Specifically, in 
2010 from September through December, the bridge opened, respectively, 
59, 37, 19, and 4 times for vessels; and, in January 2011, the bridge 
opened only 3 times for vessels.
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the closure period so that 
vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the 
temporary deviation.
    Under this deviation, the navigable channel will not be obstructed 
so vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may 
continue to do so at anytime. The Atlantic Ocean is an alternate route 
for vessels with mast heights greater than 20 feet. Due to the nature 
and extent of the scheduled maintenance, the drawbridge will be unable 
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 regulation is authorized 
under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: April 12, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-9988 Filed 4-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P