[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 81825-81826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33369]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0817]


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

DATES: This deviation is effective 7 a.m. December 27, 2011, until 3 
p.m. January 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0817 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov inserting USCG-2011-0817 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 Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, 
Fifth Coast Guard District, at telephone (757) 398-6587, 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: The Burlington County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this vertical lift 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 (Route 413) at mile 117.8, across the 
Delaware River, between PA and NJ, 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 7 a.m. on Tuesday, 
December 27, 2011 and ending at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012, the 
cable replacement will restrict the operation of the draw span on the 
following dates and times: Closed-to-navigation each of the following 
days from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.: December 27-29, 2011; January 3-6, 2012; 
January 9-13, 2012; and January 16-20, 2012; except vessel openings 
will be provided with at least eight hours advance notice given to the 
bridge operator at (856) 829-3002 or via marine radio on Channel 13.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may 
do so at all times. 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 clearances exceed 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

[[Page 81826]]

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: December 16, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-33369 Filed 12-28-11; 8:45 am]
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