[Federal Register: March 12, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 49)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13127-13128]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12mr08-26]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[USCG-2008-0115]
RIN 1625-AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Potomac River, Between Maryland
and Virginia
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved an
additional temporary deviation from the regulations governing the
operation of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I-95) Bridge, mile 103.8,
across Potomac River between Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill,
Maryland. While construction continues, this added deviation allows the
drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation each day from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. beginning March 2, 2008 until and including May 30, 2008.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 a.m. on March 2, 2008, until
2 p.m. on May 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for
inspection or copying at Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District,
Federal Building, 1st Floor, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-
5004 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The telephone number is (757) 398-6222. Commander (dpb),
Fifth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this
temporary deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Bridge
Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6222.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 25, 2008, we published a notice
of temporary deviation from the regulations entitled ``Drawbridge
Operation Regulations; Potomac River, Between Maryland and Virginia''
in the Federal Register (73 FR 4472).
The Maryland State Highway Administration and the Virginia
Department of Transportation, co-owners of the drawbridge, requested an
extension of the aforementioned temporary deviation with new dates in
an effort to minimize the potential for major regional traffic impacts
and consequences during bridge openings while construction continues.
Bridge owners requested that the new drawbridge not be available
for openings for vessels each day between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. from Sunday, March 2, 2008 through Friday, May 30, 2008. The
temporary deviation will only affect vessels with mast heights of 75
feet or greater. Furthermore, all affected vessels with mast heights
greater than 75 feet will be able to receive an opening of the new
drawbridge in the ``off-peak'' vehicle traffic hours (evening and
overnight) in accordance with 33 CFR 117.255(a).
The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway 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.
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.
[[Page 13128]]
Dated: February 25, 2008.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E8-4932 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P