[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 76299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31330]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1073]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 
(AIWW), Chesapeake, VA

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 
I64 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, South Branch of 
the Elizabeth River, mile 7.1, at Chesapeake, VA. The deviation is 
necessary for bridge rehabilitation and maintenance work. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on December 11, 2011 to 
7 p.m. on December 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1073 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1073 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 email Lindsey Middleton, Bridge Management Specialist, Coast 
Guard; telephone (757) 398-6629, email [email protected]. If 
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 
has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating 
regulations of the I64 Bridge across the AIWW, South Branch of the 
Elizabeth River, mile 7.1 at Chesapeake, VA. The requested deviation is 
to accommodate the rehabilitation of the mechanical systems of the 
bridge and will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position throughout the week. The vertical clearance of this bridge is 
65 feet at mean high water (MHW) in the closed-to-navigation position 
and unlimited in the open position. During this closure period, the 
vertical clearance in the closed position will remain at 65 feet at MHW 
and vessels able to pass under the bridge may do so at any time. The 
bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there are no 
alternate routes available to vessels.
    The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 
117.997(e) which requires the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 
hours notice is given.
    VDOT has reached out to the main waterway user requiring bridge 
openings and schedules have been worked out accordingly. The majority 
of vessel traffic utilizing this waterway is tugs and tows. The Coast 
Guard will inform all other users of the waterway through our Local and 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners which will allow mariners to arrange 
their transits to minimize delay.
    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: November 22, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, by direction of the Commander, Fifth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-31330 Filed 12-6-11; 8:45 am]
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