[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 39298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16909]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0561]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Christina River, Wilmington, 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 regulations governing the operation of the 
Walnut Street Bridge, across the Christina River, at mile 2.8, in 
Wilmington, DE. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span 
in order to facilitate the inspection of the operational equipment.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. June 23, 2011 until 5 
p.m. July 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0561 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0561, 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 Delaware Department of Transportation 
(DELDOT), who owns and operates this bascule type drawbridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
set out in 33 CFR 117.237(c) to facilitate the inspection of the 
operational equipment within the structure.
    The Walnut Street Bridge, at mile 2.8, across the Christina River 
in Wilmington, DE has a vertical clearance in the closed position to 
vessels of 13 feet above mean high water.
    Under the regular operating schedule the bridge opens on signal as 
required by 117.237(c).
    Under this temporary deviation, the Walnut Street Bridge will be 
closed to vessels and will require two hours advance notice to open 
each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on June 23, 2011 until July 1, 2011, 
and on July 18, 2011 until July 22, 2011. At all other times, the 
Walnut Street Bridge will open on signal.
    Vessels that can pass under the closed span without an opening may 
do so at all times. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of the Christina River.
    There are three vessels that travel through the bridge several 
times per week whose vertical clearance surpasses the closed bridge 
position, requiring an opening of the draw span. DELDOT has coordinated 
this replacement work with these three waterway users and the Coast 
Guard 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 may be delayed when opening for 
an emergency during the proposed equipment inspections.
    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 23, 2011.

    By direction of the Commander.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-16909 Filed 7-5-11; 8:45 am]
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