[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 25591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10416]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0330]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Intracoastal Waterway, 
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 regulations governing the operation of the 
Norfolk Southern 7 Railroad Bridge, across the Intracoastal 
Waterway, mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA. The deviation is necessary to 
facilitate replacing the lift joints of the drawbridge. This deviation 
restricts operation of the draw span, allowing it to remain in the 
closed position for three days.

DATES: This deviation is effective 6 a.m. May 8, 2012, until 8 p.m. May 
10, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0330 and are available online 
by going to www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0330 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 Norfolk Southern Corporation, who owns 
and operates this single-leaf bascule drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.997(d) to facilitate mechanical repairs.
    The Norfolk Southern 7 Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across 
the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch) in Chesapeake, VA, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position to vessels of 7 feet above mean high 
water.
    Under the regular schedule set out at 33 CFR 117.997(d)(2), the 
Norfolk Southern 7 Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the 
Elizabeth River (Southern Branch) in Chesapeake, VA, shall be left in 
the open position to vessels and will only be closed for the passage of 
trains and to perform periodic maintenance.
    To facilitate replacement of the lift joints of the draw span, the 
bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position each day 
from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 8, 2012 through May 10, 2012.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may 
do so at all times. The bridge normally operates in the open position 
with several vessels transiting a week. There are no alternate routes 
for vessels transiting this section of the Elizabeth River.
    Normal users of the waterway in the month of May are primarily 
recreational boats along with tug and barge traffic in the daytime. The 
bridge will be unable to open for emergencies.
    To ensure that waterway users are aware of the closure, the Coast 
Guard will issue a Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners to allow 
mariners to schedule their transits accordingly.
    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: April 16, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-10416 Filed 4-30-12; 8:45 am]
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