[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 135 (Monday, July 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-16809]


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 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0601]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; The Straights, Harkers Island, 
NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the swing of the Route 70/Harkers 
Island Bridge, across The Straights, mile 0.6, Harkers Island, NC. This 
deviation is necessary to facilitate coupling repair on the Route 70/
Harkers Island Bridge. This temporary deviation allows the swing bridge 
to remain in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from noon until 11:59 p.m. on August 
5, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0601] 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 
viewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this swing-type bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
set out in 33 CFR 117.5 to facilitate coupling repair.
    Under the regular operating schedule for the Route 70/Harkers 
Island Bridge, across The Straights, mile 0.6, in Harkers Island, NC, 
the draw must open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a 
request or signal to open is given. The drawbridge has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position to vessels of 14.2 feet, above mean 
high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position from noon to 11:59 p.m. on August 
5, 2013; the bridge will operate under normal operating schedule at all 
other times. The drawbridge normally opens on demand with several small 
commercial and recreational vessels transiting a week. Emergency 
openings cannot be provided. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of The Straights, but vessels that require an 
opening may proceed before noon and after midnight. Mariners able to 
pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time and 
are advised to proceed with caution.
    The Straights is used by a variety of vessels including small 
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 Notices 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 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: July 2, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-16809 Filed 7-12-13; 8:45 am]
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