[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 49664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-20373]



[[Page 49664]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0703]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Beaufort Channel, Beaufort, NC

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 
Grayden Paul Bridge across the Beaufort (Gallants) Channel, mile 0.1 at 
Beaufort, NC. The deviation is necessary to accommodate racing 
participants for the ``Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation Sprint Triathlon''. 
This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position 
during the race to ensure the safe and efficient passage of 
participants.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on 
September 3, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0703 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0703 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, 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: The Coastal Society, on behalf of the North 
Carolina Department of Transportation has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations of the Grayden Paul 
Bridge, across the Beaufort (Gallants) Channel, mile 0.1, at Beaufort, 
NC. The bike route of the ``Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation Sprint 
Triathlon'' crosses the bridge and the requested deviation is to 
accommodate the participants. To facilitate this event, the draw of the 
bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 
11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2011.
    The vertical clearance for this bridge in the closed position is 13 
feet at Mean High Water and is limited to 77 feet in the open position 
due to the adjacent power lines. The operating regulations are set 
forth in 33 CFR 117.822 which states that the bridge shall open on the 
hour and on the half hour.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. The Coast Guard will inform the users of the 
waterway of the closure through our Local and Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation. The 
bridge will be able to open for emergencies. This closure has been an 
annual closure for the past several years therefore there are no 
traffic logs with past openings for this time of year. Most of the 
vessel traffic consists of recreational and commercial fishing boats. 
Vessels can use the Intracoastal Waterway as an alternate route.
    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: August 2, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, By Direction of the Commander, Fifth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-20373 Filed 8-10-11; 8:45 am]
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