[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-14449]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 21, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD01-94-058]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Apponagansett River,
Massachusetts
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for
comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized the Town of Dartmouth,
Massachusetts, to temporarily deviate for ninety (90) days from the
operating regulations governing the Padanaram Bridge mile 1.0 over the
Apponagansett River in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. This deviation limits
the number of openings during peak traffic periods of the day. This
deviation will permit evaluation of the regulated opening schedule on
both marine and vehicular traffic in conjunction with the operation of
new automatic, in lieu of manual, traffic gates.
DATES:
(1) The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994
through August 31, 1994.
(2) Comments on the effects of the deviation must be received on or
before September 15, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard
District, Captain John Foster Williams Federal Building, 408 Atlantic
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3350. Comments and other materials
referenced in this notice are available for inspection and copying by
appointment at the above address. Normal office hours are between 6:30
a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
Comments may also be hand-delivered to the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William C. Heming, Bridge Administrator, First Coast Guard District,
(212) 668-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background and Purpose
The Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River between Dartmouth
and South Dartmouth has a vertical clearance of 9' above mean high
water (MHW) and 12' above mean low water (MLW). The current operating
regulations (33 CFR 117.587) provide that from 1 May to 31 October from
5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the bridge need open on signal only on the hour
and half hour. At all other times at least six hours advance notice
must be given.
This deviation permits the bridge to open twice an hour, on the
hour and half hour, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and
once an hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In the spring of 1993, the Town of Dartmouth requested a change
from the operating regulations to permit opening once an hour rather
than twice an hour. The town selectmen felt that the traffic congestion
during peak summer months was a result of the bridge opening every 30
minutes and was causing village commerce to suffer. The selectmen also
considered the 30 minute opening schedule a serious risk to public
safety because emergency vehicles could not travel to and from South
Dartmouth during the traffic delays caused by the bridge opening every
half hour. The Town of Dartmouth requested that the bridge be required
to open only once an hour for a test period of 60 days to evaluate the
effects on vehicular and marine traffic. This request was approved and
the first deviation from the permanent regulations was effective from
July 1, 1993, through August 29, 1993. See (58 FR 38056; July 15,
1993). It provided an opportunity to evaluate the effects of the
deviation on marine and vehicular traffic. The Coast Guard implemented
a second deviation for thirty-two days (32) to the regulations to
evaluate alternative opening time periods for the Padanaram Bridge. See
(58 FR 47067; Sep. 7, 1993). There were 29 comment letters received for
these deviation periods. Twenty were in favor of the hourly openings
and nine were opposed to the change. Most of the letters in opposition
indicated that the lack of facilities to tie up vessels while waiting
for openings was the main concern. The Town of Dartmouth has installed
traffic signals, automatic traffic gates, navigational lights,
clearance gauges and regulation signs since the last deviation period
of 32 days was implemented.
Additionally, a detailed engineering study has been prepared for
major repairs to the bridge. The town has requested state funds for the
proposed repairs and expects approval in the fall of 1994. The Coast
Guard is authorizing a third deviation for a period of 90 days to
evaluate the effects of the recent improvements to the bridge. This
third temporary deviation retains the requirement for the bridge to
open on signal as soon as possible for vessels of the United States,
state and local vessels used for public safety and vessels in distress.
Request for Comments
The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in
evaluation of possible changes to the regulations governing the
Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River by submitting written
data, or arguments for or against the deviation. Persons submitting
comments should include their name and address and identify this
Rulemaking (CGD01-94-058) and the specific section of this deviation to
which each comment applies, and give reason for each comment. Persons
wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped
self-addressed post card or envelope.
The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the
comment period. If it appears appropriate to propose a permanent change
to the regulations, the Coast Guard will publish a notice of proposed
Rulemaking and request additional comments as part of the Rulemaking
process. All comments received from this and the previous deviations
will be considered in the Rulemaking process. Persons may submit
comments by writing to the Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District
listed under ADDRESSES.
Notice
Notice is hereby given that:
(1) The Coast Guard has granted the Town of Dartmouth,
Massachusetts, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements
listed in 33 CFR 117.587 paragraph (b) governing the Padanaram Bridge
over the Apponagansett River.
(2) This deviation from normal operating regulations is authorized
in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of
evaluating possible changes to the permanent regulations.
(3) The period of deviation is effective June 3, 1994 to August 31,
1994.
(4) During the deviation period the Padanaram Bridge shall operate
as follows:
(i) From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. the bridge
shall open on signal, twice an hour, on the hour and the half hour.
(ii) From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the bridge shall open on signal once an
hour, on the hour.
(iii) From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the bridge shall open on signal if at
least 6 hours advance notice is given.
Dated: May 31, 1994.
K.W. Thompson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commander, First Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 94-14449 Filed 6-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M