[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53342-53343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21869]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0798]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Cape Fear River, Wilmington, 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 regulations governing the operation of the 
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, at mile 26.8, over Cape Fear River, at 
Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span 
to facilitate the cleaning and painting of the structure.

DATES: This deviation is effective at 6 a.m. on August 12, 2011 thru 
August 26, 2011 with actual notice and from 12 a.m. on August 26, 2011 
thru 11:59 p.m. December 1, 2011 with constructive notice.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket USCG-2011-0798 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0798 in the ``Keywords'' box, 
and then clicking ``Search''. This material is also available for 
inspection or copying 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 Mr. Bill H. Brazier, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth 
Coast Guard District, telephone (757) 636-2416, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on reviewing the docket, 
call Rene V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, (202)366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical lift bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
set out in 33 CFR 117.823, to facilitate painting of the structure.
    The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, at mile 26.8, at Wilmington NC has 
vertical clearances in the full open and closed position to vessels of 
135 feet and 65 feet, above mean high water, respectively.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the bridge opens on signal as 
required by 33 CFR 117.5, except that under 33 CFR 117.823, the draw 
need not open for the passage of vessels from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the 
second Saturday of July and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Sunday 
of November every year. This regulation does not change the provisions 
of 33 CFR 117.823 and therefore the draw need not open for the passage 
of vessels from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of November, 
specifically November 13, 2011.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will operate as 
follows: From 6 a.m. on August 12, 2011 until and including 11:59 on 
December 1, 2011, vessel openings will be provided if at least three 
hours advance notice is given to the bridge operator at (910) 251-5773 
or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. In addition, to accommodate 
scaffolding, the available vertical clearances of portions of the 
drawbridge (up to half of the drawbridge at one time) will be reduced 
by approximately four feet, to 131 feet and 61 feet above mean high 
water, respectively. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of the Cape Fear River. The Bridge may be 
opened in the event of an emergency.
    Typical vessel traffic on the Cape Fear River includes a variety of 
vessels from freighters, tug and barge traffic, and recreational 
vessels. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge 
opening may continue to do so at anytime.
    The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with 
commercial and recreational waterway users. The Coast Guard will inform 
all users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners of the closure periods for the bridge so that vessels can 
arrange their transits to minimize any impacts caused by the temporary 
deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the draw must return to its 
original operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.


[[Page 53343]]


    Dated: August 12, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager. By direction of the Commander, Fifth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-21869 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P