[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18740]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0687]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Albemarle Sound to Sunset Beach, 
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), Wrightsville Beach, 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 operation of the S.R. 74 Bridge, at 
mile 283.1, over the AICW, at Wrightsville Beach, NC. The deviation is 
necessary to facilitate electrical system and equipment upgrades to the 
bridge. This temporary deviation allows the drawbridge to remain in the 
closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 p.m. on August 19, 2013 to 7 
p.m. August 27, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0687] 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 North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this bascule bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
set out in 33 CFR 117.821 (a)(4), to facilitate electrical system and 
mechanical equipment upgrades to the bridge.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the draw for the S.R. 74 
Bridge, at mile 283.1 over the AICW, at Wrightsville Beach, NC shall 
open on signal for commercial vessels at all times and on signal for 
pleasure vessels except between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., need only open on 
the hour; and except for annual triathlon events that occur from 
September through November. The S.R. 74 Bridge has a temporary vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 18 feet above mean high water due 
to additional ongoing maintenance.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position, beginning at 7 p.m., on Monday, 
August 19, 2013 until 7 p.m., on Tuesday August 20, 2013. In the event 
of inclement weather, the alternate dates and times will begin at 7 
p.m., on Monday August 26, 2013 ending at 7 p.m., on Tuesday August 27, 
2013. The bridge will operate under its normal operating schedule at 
all other times. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with commercial and recreational waterway users.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do 
so at anytime and are advised to proceed with caution. The bridge will 
be able to open for emergencies but at a slower rate. There is no 
immediate alternate route for vessels transiting this section of the 
AICW but vessels may pass before and after the closure each day. 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 25, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-18740 Filed 8-2-13; 8:45 am]
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