[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12475-12476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4918]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1168]


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, across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at 
Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span 
to facilitate the structural repairs and painting of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until 
11 p.m. on May 31, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket USCG-2011-1168 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1168 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 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 Renne V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, (202) 366-
9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical-lift type 
drawbridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.5, to facilitate the 
structural repair of the bridge.
    Under the regular operating schedule for this temporary deviation 
period, the bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 117.5.
    The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge across the Cape Fear River mile 26.8, 
at Wilmington NC has vertical clearances in the full open and closed 
positions of 135 feet and 65 feet above mean high water, respectively.
    Under this temporary deviation to facilitate the structural repairs 
and painting, the drawbridge will operate as follows: Need not open 
from 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on May 31, 
2012; except, vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours 
advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via 
marine radio on channel 18 VHF.
    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 drawbridge is able to 
open for emergencies.
    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

[[Page 12476]]

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 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: February 10, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-4918 Filed 2-29-12; 8:45 am]
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