[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49920-49921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19953]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0684]


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

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 draw of the Norfolk Southern 
5 Railroad Bridge, across the Elizabeth River Eastern Branch, 
mile 1.1, at Norfolk, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate 
replacing the broken tread plates and shimming the remaining tread 
plates to the proper elevation on the Norfolk Southern 5 
Railroad drawbridge. There are a total of 10 tread plates that need to 
be replaced. This temporary deviation allows the drawbridge to remain 
in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 a.m. on August 19, 2013 to 6 
p.m. August 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0684] 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 Mrs. Kashanda Booker, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6227, 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 regulation 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 maintained in open-to-
navigation position 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 each day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 
on August 19, 2013 until August 30, 2013. At all other times, the 
drawbridge will operate under its normal operating schedule. The 
drawbridge normally is maintained in the open-to-navigation position 
with

[[Page 49921]]

several vessels transiting a week and only closes when trains transit. 
Emergency openings cannot be provided during the closure period. There 
are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section on the 
Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River; however, vessels requiring an 
opening may pass before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. 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 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 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: August 6, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-19953 Filed 8-15-13; 8:45 am]
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