07-5155. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Taunton River, Fall River and Somerset, MA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the old Brightman Street bascule bridge across the Taunton River at mile 1.8, between Fall River and Somerset, Massachusetts. Under this temporary deviation, in effect from 6 a.m. on October 13, 2007 through 5 p.m. on October 27, 2007, the bridge shall open on signal after a one-hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on October 13, 2007 through 5 p.m. on October 27, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone]. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Office maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John McDonald, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The old Brightman Street bascule bridge, across the Taunton River at mile 1.8, between Fall River and Somerset, Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 27 feet at mean high water and 31 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.619.

The owner of the bridge, Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance and structural repairs to the sidewalks at the old Brightman Street bascule bridge.

Under this temporary deviation, in effect from 6 a.m. on October 13, 2007 through 5 p.m. on October 27, 2007, the old Brightman Street bascule bridge shall open on signal after at least a one-hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge.

This work was scheduled during the time of year when the one upstream facility is closed and no deliveries are scheduled. The recreational boat marinas were contacted and have no objection to the one-hour advance notice.

An 18′ x 43′ construction work barge may be located in the channel during the prosecution of this bridge maintenance. The work barge will move upon request by calling the bridge tender either on the land line [phone] or on VHF channels 13 and 16.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge 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.

Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal operating schedule. Notice of the above action shall be provided to the public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where practicable.

Dated: October 9, 2007.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.