[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 37002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15803]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0529]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Between 
Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA

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 
Burlington-Bristol Bridge on Route 413, across the Delaware River, at 
mile 117.8, between Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA. The deviation 
restricts the operation of the draw span in order to facilitate the 
replacement of the operating lift cables.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. July 9, 2011, until 
11:59 p.m. July 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0529 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0529 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 Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, 
Fifth Coast Guard District, at 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 Burlington County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this vertical-lift type drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.5 and 117.716(b) to facilitate the replacement of the lift 
cables.
    The Burlington-Bristol Bridge on Route 413, at mile 117.8, across 
the Delaware River, between Burlington NJ and Bristol PA, has a 
vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels of 62 feet above 
mean high water.
    Under the regular operating schedule the bridge opens on signal as 
required by 33 CFR 117.5 and the opening of a bridge may not be delayed 
more than five minutes for a highway bridge, after the signal to open 
is given as required by 33 CFR 117.716(b).
    Under this temporary deviation, beginning 12:01 a.m. on Saturday 
July 9, 2011 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Friday July 22, 2011, the 
Burlington-Bristol Bridge will be closed to vessels and unable to open 
on signal.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a drawbridge opening 
may do so at all times. A barge/crane, involved in the maintenance 
operation, will be located near the center of the channel, adjacent to 
the bridge, reducing the horizontal clearance of the waterway to 
approximately 200 feet. on either side of the barge/crane. Vessels able 
to pass under the closed span in conjunction with this horizontal 
clearance may do so at any time. There are no alternate routes for 
vessels transiting this section of the Delaware River.
    There are approximately four to six vessels per week from four 
facilities whose vertical clearance surpasses the closed bridge 
position, requiring an opening of the draw span. The Coast Guard has 
coordinated this replacement work with the Mariners Advisory Committee 
for Bay & River Delaware, and will inform the other 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. The 
bridge will not be able to open in an emergency due to the lift cables 
being removed.
    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: June 15, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, By direction of the Commander, Fifth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-15803 Filed 6-23-11; 8:45 am]
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