[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 242 (Wednesday, December 17, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 66006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32884]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD05-97-086]
RIN 2115-AE47
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
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
US 460 (Berkley Bridge) drawbridge across the Eastern Branch of the
Elizabeth River, mile 0.4, at Norfolk, Virginia. Beginning December 15,
1997 through January 9, 1998, this deviation restricts bridge openings
between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week. During
these times, vessels requiring bridge lifts will be required to provide
the Berkley Bridge bridge tender with a two-hour advance notice. This
closure is necessary to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation
to conduct an oil change on the major lift equipment while still
providing for the reasonable needs of navigation.
DATES: This deviation is effective from December 15, 1997 through
January 9, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at
(757) 398-6222.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Berkley Bridge is owned and operated by
the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and maintained by the
Elizabeth River Tunnels Department of Maintenance. On December 1, 1997,
VDOT sent a letter to the Coast Guard requesting a temporary deviation
from the normal operation of the bridge in order to accommodate the
maintenance work. Presently, the draw is required to open on signal at
any time except from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Between the hours
of 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., vessels with a
draft of 22 feet or more may request a bridge lift provided at least 12
hours advance notice is given.
The maintenance work involves draining and subsequent refilling of
oil in the gear boxes in the major lift equipment of the US 460
(Berkley Bridge) drawbridge. Vessels presently transiting through the
Berkley Bridge during the hours of deviation will not be negatively
impacted since bridge lifts will be provided with a two-hour advance
notice.
From December 15, 1997 to January 9, 1998, this deviation restricts
bridge lifts of the Berkley Bridge between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30
p.m. seven days a week. Vessels requiring a bridge lift during these
times will be required to provide a two-hour advance notice to the
Berkley Bridge bridge tender. All other provisions of Sec. 117.1007
remain in effect during the period of the deviation.
Dated: December 8, 1997.
Roger Rufe, Jr.,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 97-32884 Filed 12-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
