[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8860-8861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03307]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0047]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the operation of the Cape Fear River 
Memorial Bridge, across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at Wilmington, 
NC. The deviation is necessary to restrict the operation of the draw 
span to facilitate the biannual inspections.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on March 17, 2014 until 
4 p.m. on March 28, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0047] 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

[[Page 8861]]

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 Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical lift bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation to conduct the biannual inspections.
    The existing drawbridge operation regulation for the Cape Fear 
River Memorial Bridge is listed in 33 CFR 117.822. The regulation 
allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation once in both July and 
November to accommodate annual marathon races. The drawbridge opens on 
demand at all other times.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to 
navigation beginning each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on March 17, 2014 
until March 28, 2014; however, vessel openings will be provided if at 
least two hours advance notice is given. At all other times, the 
drawbridge will operate under its normal schedule.
    The Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge, at mile 26.8, at Wilmington, 
NC, has vertical clearances in the open and closed positions of 135 
feet and 65 feet above mean high water, respectively. Typical vessel 
traffic on the Cape Fear River includes a variety of vessels from 
freighters, tug and barge traffic, and recreational vessels. Vessels 
that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may continue to 
do so at anytime. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting 
this section of the Cape Fear River. The drawbridge will be able to 
open in the event of an emergency. The Coast Guard has carefully 
coordinated the restrictions with commercial and recreational waterway 
users. The Coast Guard will inform all users of the waterway 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.
    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: February 6, 2014.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2014-03307 Filed 2-13-14; 8:45 am]
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