[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-172]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1158]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Northeast 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 
Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, mile 1.0, across the Northeast Cape Fear 
River, at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the 
draw span to facilitate structural, electrical and mechanical upgrades 
and repairs of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. January 16, 2012, to 11 
p.m. April 30, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket USCG-2011-1158 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1158 in the ``Keywords'' box, 
and then clicking ``Search''. This material is 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 Mr. Bill H. Brazier, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth 
Coast Guard District, telephone (757) 398-6422, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on reviewing the docket, 
call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, (202) 366-
9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this double-leaf bascule bridge, 
has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating 
regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.829(a), to facilitate structural, 
electrical and mechanical upgrades and repairs of the bridge.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the bridge operates as 
follows: The draw will be closed to pleasure craft from 6 a.m. to 6 
p.m. every day except at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the draw will open for 
all waiting vessels; the draw will open on signal for Government and 
commercial vessels at all times; and the draw will open for all vessels 
on signal from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    In the closed position to vessels, the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge has 
a vertical clearance of 42 feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to 
vessels requiring an opening from 7 a.m. on January 16, 2012 until and 
including 11 p.m. on April 30, 2012. However, during the period of 
deviation, vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours 
advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5774 or via 
marine radio on channel 13 VHF.
    Vessels that can pass under the drawbridge without an opening may 
do so at all times. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of the Northeast Cape Fear River. The 
drawbridge will be able to open in the event of an emergency.
    The Coast Guard has coordinated these upgrades and repairs with the 
Cape Fear River Pilots Association and will use Local and Broadcast 
Notice to Mariners to inform all users of the waterway of the closure 
periods for the drawbridge 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 drawbridge 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.

    Dated: December 22, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-172 Filed 1-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P