[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19245-19246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8476]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2010-0217]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch,
VA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the
Berkley Bridge (I-264), across the Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch,
mile 0.4, at Norfolk, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate
structural repairs to the lift spans. This deviation allows the
drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 p.m. on April 23, 2010
through 4:30 a.m. on June 21, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in
the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0217 and are available online
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-0217 in the
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30),
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 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 rule,
call or e-mail Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist,
Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6587, e-mail
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations,
telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation,
who owns and operates this bascule-type drawbridge, has requested a
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in
33 CFR 117.1007(b) and (c) to facilitate the resurfacing of the bridge
roadway, as modified by the temporary deviation at Docket No. USCG-
2010-0083, published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2010, 75 Fed.
Reg. 9521.
[[Page 19246]]
The Berkley Bridge (I-264) at mile 0.4, across the Elizabeth River,
Eastern Branch, in Norfolk, VA, has a vertical clearance in the closed
position of 48 feet above mean high water.
Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained
in the closed to navigation position on four separate weekends
beginning at 8 p.m. on Fridays until and including 4:30 a.m. on Mondays
from April 23-26, 2010; April 30-May 3, 2010; May 14-17, 2010; and from
June 4-7, 2010. In addition, if severe or inclement weather occurs, the
alternate closure dates will be rescheduled to May 7-10, 2010 and/or
June 18-21, 2010. During these closure periods, vessel openings of the
draw spans along with the removal of barges in the waterway will be
provided if at least two hours advance notice is given to the bridge
operator at (757) 494-2490. No marine events are scheduled during these
time periods and the waterway will still allow for the passage of
vessels of heights less than 48 feet.
Smaller vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge
opening may do so at most times. There are no alternate routes for
vessels transiting this section of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth
River. The bridge can be opened for emergencies but may be delayed by
two hours.
The waterway users are large commercial vessels, tugs, barges, and
smaller leisure craft. The Berkley Bridge opens rarely on weekends for
larger commercial vessels, approximately 2-3 times/weekend. The Coast
Guard has coordinated the restrictions with the commercial and
recreational waterway users. Additionally, the Coast Guard will inform
unexpected users of the waterway 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: April 1, 2010.
Patrick B. Trapp,
Captain, United States Coast Guard, Acting Commander, Fifth Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 2010-8476 Filed 4-13-10; 8:45 am]
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