[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60896]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24598]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0888]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Between 
Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA

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 
Burlington-Bristol Bridge on Route 413, across the Delaware River, at 
mile 117.8, between Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA. This deviation 
restricts the operation of the draw span in order to facilitate the 
adjustment of the operating lift cables.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on October 30, 2012 to 3 
p.m. on November 1, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0888 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0888 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 email Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, 
Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6587, email 
[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 Burlington County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this vertical-lift type drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.5 and 117.716(b) to facilitate the adjustment of the 
operational lift cables.
    The Burlington-Bristol Bridge on Route 413, at mile 117.8, across 
the Delaware River, between Burlington NJ and Bristol PA, has a 
vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels of 62 feet above 
mean high water.
    Under the regular operating schedule the bridge opens on signal as 
required by 33 CFR 117.5 and the opening of a bridge may not be delayed 
more than five minutes for a highway bridge, after the signal to open 
is given as required by 33 CFR 117.716(b).
    Under this temporary deviation, the Burlington-Bristol Bridge will 
be closed to navigation and unable to open on signal each day from 7 
a.m. until 3 p.m. on October 30, 2012 and November 1, 2012.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a drawbridge opening 
may do so at all times. There are no alternate routes for vessels 
transiting this section of the Delaware River.
    There are approximately four to six vessels per week from four 
facilities whose vertical clearance surpasses the closed bridge 
position, requiring an opening of the draw span. The Coast Guard has 
coordinated this replacement work with the Mariners' Advisory Committee 
for the Bay & River Delaware, and will inform the other 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 impact caused by the temporary deviation. The 
bridge will not be able to open in an emergency during lift cable 
tension adjustments.
    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: September 25, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-24598 Filed 10-4-12; 8:45 am]
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