[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13759]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0394]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the draw of the Norfolk Southern 
5 Railroad Bridge, across the Elizabeth River Eastern Branch, 
mile 1.1, Norfolk, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate 
thermite welding on rail joints on the Norfolk Southern 5 
Railroad drawbridge. This temporary deviation allows the drawbridge to 
remain in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 11 a.m. on July 8, 2013 to 1 
p.m. July 16, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0394] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Jim Rousseau, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6557, email [email protected]. If you have questions on 
reviewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Norfolk Southern Corporation, who owns 
and operates this drawbridge, has requested a temporary deviation from 
the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.5 to facilitate 
thermite welding on the rails.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the Norfolk Southern 
5 Railroad Bridge, mile 1.1, in Norfolk, VA, the draw must 
open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request or 
signal to open is given. The draw normally is open and only closes for 
train crossings or periodic maintenance. The Norfolk Southern 
5 Railroad Bridge, at mile 1.1, across the Elizabeth River 
(Eastern Branch) in Norfolk, VA, has a vertical clearance in the closed 
position to vessels of 6 feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 8, 
9, 10, 15 and 16, 2013 the bridge will operate under normal operating 
schedule at all other times. The bridge normally operates in the open 
position with several vessels transiting a week and only closes when 
trains transit. Emergency openings cannot be provided. There are no 
alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Elizabeth 
River Eastern Branch but vessels may pass before 11 a.m. and after 1 
p.m.
    The Elizabeth River Eastern Branch is used by a variety of vessels 
including military, tugs, commercial, and recreational vessels. The 
Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with these 
waterway users. The Coast Guard will also inform additional waterway 
users 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. Mariners able 
to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time 
and are advised to proceed with caution.
    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: May 30, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-13759 Filed 6-10-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P