[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33824]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1139]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Corson Inlet, Stathmere, NJ

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 
Corson Inlet Bridge (County Route 619), across Corson Inlet, mile 0.9 
in Strathmere, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 
replacement of the steel railing. This deviation restricts operation of 
the draw span; no openings will be allowed during the course of the 
project, while the railings on the moveable span portion of the bridge 
are replaced.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on January 15, 2012 
until 5 p.m. on February 15, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1139 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1139 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; 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 Cape May County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 
117.714 to facilitate the replacement of the bridge railings.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the bridge operates as 
follows: The draw shall open on signal; however, from October 1 through 
May 15 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on December 25 
the draw need open only if at least two hours notice is provided.
    The Corson Inlet Bridge (CR-619) at mile 0.9, across Corson Inlet 
in Strathmere, NJ has a vertical clearance in the closed position to 
vessels of 15 feet above mean high water (MHW).
    Under this temporary deviation, the Corson Inlet Bridge will be 
closed to vessels requiring an opening, from 5 a.m. on January 15, 2012 
to 5 p.m. on February 15, 2012. The drawbridge will not be able to open 
in the event of an emergency. Vessels that can pass under the bridge 
without a bridge opening may do so at all times. Vessels have an 
alternate ocean route to the south through Townsends Inlet.
    Though the span will be closed for the project, the 15 feet of 
vertical navigation clearance will remain available throughout the 
project. Furthermore, the 50 feet of horizontal clearance will be 
reduced to 25 feet temporarily only if/when barges are used beneath the 
span to facilitate this project.
    Historically, there were no vessel openings provided for the months 
of January through February in 2011. The Coast Guard has coordinated 
the restrictions with the Cape May County Bridge Commission/contractor 
and will inform the other users of the waterways 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.
    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 22, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-33824 Filed 1-4-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P