[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 32394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13384]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0444]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; The Straights, Harkers Island, 
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 
Route 70/Harkers Island Bridge across The Straights, at Harkers Island, 
NC. The deviation is necessary to facilitate maintenance to the bridge 
motor. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation 
while the maintenance is conducted.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on June 12, 2012 through 
3 p.m. on June 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket USCG-2012-0444 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0444 in the ``Keyword'' 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. Jim Rousseau, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth 
Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6557, email James.L.Rousseau2@ 
uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. 
Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation (NCDOT) owns and operates the swing span of the Route 
70/Harkers Island Bridge across The Straights, in Harkers Island, NC. 
The bridge has a vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels 
of 14 feet, above mean high water. The current operating regulations 
are outlined at 33 CFR 117.5, which require the bridge to open when a 
request or signal to open is given.
    NCDOT has requested a temporary deviation to the existing 
regulations for the Route 70/Harkers Island Bridge to facilitate 
necessary repairs. The repairs consist of the maintenance to the bridge 
motor. Under this deviation, the swing span of the drawbridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 9 a.m. on June 12, 
2012, through 3 p.m. on June 13, 2012.
    Bridge opening data, supplied by Harkers Island Bridge Tender and 
reviewed by the Coast Guard, revealed that the bridge opened for 
vessels on average 2 times in a 24 hour period during early June.
    The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway, through 
our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners, of the closure period so 
that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused 
by the temporary deviation.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may 
continue to do so at anytime. There are several alternate routes 
available for vessels with mast heights greater than 14 feet. In the 
event of an emergency, the drawbridge will not be able to open for 
vessels.
    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 regulation is authorized 
under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: May 22, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-13384 Filed 5-31-12; 8:45 am]
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