[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 12177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03987]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0055]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge which 
carries US 17 across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at Wilmington, NC. 
The deviation is necessary to facilitate routine biennial maintenance 
and inspection of the lift span for the bridge. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on March 7, 2017, 
through 4 p.m. on March 17, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0055] 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Mickey Sanders, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6587, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, owner and operator of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge 
that carries US 17 across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at 
Wilmington, NC, has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating schedule to accommodate a routine biennial maintenance and 
inspection of the vertical lift span for the drawbridge. The bridge has 
a vertical clearance of 65 feet above mean high water (MHW) in the 
closed position and 135 feet above MHW in the open position.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.822. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-
to-navigation position for two separate four (4) day periods from 9 
a.m. until 4 p.m. from March 7, 2017, through March 10, 2017, and from 
9 a.m. until 4 p.m. from March 14, 2017, through March 17, 2017. During 
the closure periods, the bridge will open on signal if at least 3 hours 
notice is given. The bridge will open on signal at all other times.
    The Cape Fear River is used by a variety of vessels including small 
commercial vessels, recreational vessels and tug and barge traffic. The 
Coast Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel 
traffic on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so if at least 15 minutes notice is given. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route 
for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. 
The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our 
Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange their 
transits to minimize any impact caused by this temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of this effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: February 23, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-03987 Filed 2-28-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P