[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 106 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31838-31839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13643]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0442]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Nanticoke River, Seaford, DE

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 regulation governing the operation of the 
SR 13 Bridge across the Nanticoke River, mile 39.6, at Seaford, DE. The 
deviation is necessary to accommodate the cleaning and painting of the 
bridge. This deviation restricts the availability to open the bridge 
during the approximate seven week project.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on June 10, 2011 to 
11:59 p.m. on July 24, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the

[[Page 31839]]

docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0442 and are available online by 
going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0442 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., on behalf of Delaware 
Department of Transportation, has requested a temporary deviation from 
the current operating regulation of the SR 13 Bridge across the 
Nanticoke River, mile 39.6, at Seaford, DE. The requested deviation is 
to accommodate painting and cleaning of the bridge. The vertical 
clearance of this single-leaf bascule bridge is three 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 
one foot at MHW due to the scaffolding that will be used for the 
maintenance of the bridge. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 
p.m. the bridge is able to open if at least four hours of notice is 
given and from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. the bridge will be left in the closed-
to-navigation position. On Saturdays and Sundays and on July 4, 2011 
the bridge will be left in the open position and vessels will be able 
to pass through at any time. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies if at least four hours of notice is given. There are no 
alternate routes available to vessels.
    The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 
117.243(b). In the months of June and July the regulation requires the 
bridge to open on signal, except from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., if at least 
four hours notice is given.
    Logs from June and July 2010 have shown that most of the openings 
were on the weekends and on July 4th and all of the openings were 
between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. This deviation will have no 
impact for mariners traveling through the bridge on the weekends and on 
July 4th because the bridge will be left in the open position on these 
days. Mariners transiting through the bridge on weekdays should have 
minimal delay given that the bridge can open for vessels if at least 
four hours notice is given. The majority of the vessel traffic is 
recreational boaters. 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. The Coast Guard will also require the bridge 
owner to post signs on either side of the bridge notifying mariners of 
the temporary regulation change.
    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: May 23, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-13643 Filed 6-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P