[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 185 (Monday, September 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58773-58774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23436]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0864]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; James River, Newport News, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the US 17/258 Bridge across the James 
River, mile 5.0, at Newport News, VA. The deviation is necessary to 
facilitate the structural repairs of the bridge. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain closed on weekends during the repairs and requires 
two-hour advanced notice for bridge openings.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. on September 14, 2012 
until 5 a.m. on December 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0864 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0864 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 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, telephone 
(202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Curtis Contracting, Inc., on behalf of the 
Virginia Department of Transportation who owns and operates this 
vertical-lift type drawbridge, has requested a temporary deviation from 
the current operating regulations to facilitate grid deck replacement 
on the structure.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the US 17/258 Bridge over the 
James River, mile 5.0, at Newport News, VA opens on signal as required 
by 33 CFR 117.5 and has vertical clearances in the

[[Page 58774]]

full open and closed positions of 145 feet and 60 feet above mean high 
water, respectively.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to 
navigation on weekends only beginning Fridays, at 9 p.m. through 5 
a.m., on Mondays, from September 14, 2012 through December 10, 2012 and 
vessel openings will be provided with a two-hour advance notice to the 
bridge tender. During the temporary deviation period, the drawbridge 
will be unable 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. 
There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of 
the James River.
    The James River caters to a variety of vessels from freighters to 
tug and barge traffic to recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has 
carefully coordinated the restrictions with commercial and recreational 
waterway users. Additionally, the Coast Guard will inform unexpected 
users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners of the 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 draw 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: September 11, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-23436 Filed 9-21-12; 8:45 am]
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