[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 135 (Monday, July 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42010-42011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-16810]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0607]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, NJ

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 bascule span of the Tacony-Palmyra 
Bridge (Route 73), across the Delaware River, mile 107.2, between the 
townships of Tacony, PA and Palmyra, NJ. The deviation is necessary to 
facilitate the replacement of the bridge deck. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain in the closed to navigation position during the 
rehabilitation project.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 
2013 until 9 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation [USCG-2013-0607] 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 Terrance Knowles, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, Coast Guard; telephone 757-398-6587, email 
[email protected]. If you

[[Page 42011]]

have questions on viewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, at 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations to facilitate the 
resurfacing of the bridge roadway.
    The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73) at mile 107.2, across the 
Delaware River, between PA and NJ, has a vertical clearance in the 
closed position of 53 feet above mean high water (MHW). This clearance 
will be reduced during the resurfacing by approximately three feet, to 
50 feet above MHW.
    Under the current operating schedule set out in 33 CFR 117.5 and 
117.716(b): The regulation requires that the drawbridge must open 
promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request or signal 
to open is given, and that the opening not be delayed more than five 
minutes.
    Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be closed-to-
navigation for resurfacing repairs, which will restrict the operation 
of the draw span from 9 p.m. on August 16, 2013 until 9 p.m. August 30, 
2013.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at all times and are advised to proceed with caution. Emergency 
openings cannot be provided. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of the Delaware River.
    The Coast Guard has coordinated this with the Delaware Pilots, and 
will inform the users of the waterways through our Local and Broadcast 
Notices to Mariners of the closure period for the bridge so that 
vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the 
temporary deviation. Waterway traffic consists of freighters, 
recreational boats, tugs, and barges.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: July 3, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-16810 Filed 7-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P