[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10514]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0287]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Mispillion River, Milford, DE

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, District Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued 
a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of 
the Route 1/Rehoboth Blvd Bascule Bridge across the Mispillion River, 
mile 11.0, at Milford, DE. This deviation allows the bridge to remain 
in the closed position for two months to accommodate the necessary 
bridge cleaning and painting of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12 a.m. on May 13, 2011 through 
11:59 p.m. on July 17, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0287 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0287 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 Lindsey Middleton, Bridge Management Specialist, Coast 
Guard; telephone 757-398-6629, 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: Marinis Bros. Inc., (Marinis) on behalf of 
Delaware Department of Transportation, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulation of the Route 1/Rehoboth 
Blvd Bascule Bridge across the Mispillion River, mile 11.0, at Milford, 
DE. The vertical clearance of this bridge is five feet at mean high 
water (MHW) in the closed position and unlimited in the open position. 
During this deviation period, the vertical clearance will be limited to 
four feet at MHW due to the scaffolding that will be used for the 
maintenance of the bridge. Vessels that are able to pass through the 
bridge may do so at anytime. The bridge is able to open for emergencies 
if at least five business days are given. There are no alternate routes 
available to vessels.
    The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 
117.241. The regulation requires the bridge to open on signal if at 
least 24 hours notice is given. The requested deviation is to 
accommodate painting and cleaning of the bridge. To carry out the 
bridge maintenance safely and successfully, the draw of the bridge will 
be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 12 a.m. on May 
13, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on July 17, 2011.
    Logs from the past two years have shown that there are minimal 
openings during the period of time this deviation will be enforced. The 
majority of vessel traffic is recreational boaters. Most, if not all, 
of the past openings have been requested by one specific resident of 
the area. The Coast Guard and Marinis have been in contact with this 
resident and have worked together to accommodate any necessary bridge 
openings during the temporary deviation. The Coast Guard will inform 
the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners so that mariners can arrange their transits to minimize any 
impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    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: April 18, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-10514 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P