2011-33369. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Between Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Burlington-Bristol (Route 413) Bridge, across the Delaware River, mile 117.8, between the townships of Burlington, NJ and Bristol, PA. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span in order to facilitate the replacement of the lift cables.

DATES:

This deviation is effective 7 a.m. December 27, 2011, until 3 p.m. January 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0817 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov inserting USCG-2011-0817 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, at telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Burlington County Bridge Commission, who owns and operates this vertical lift 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 replacement of the lift cables.

The Burlington-Bristol Bridge (Route 413) at mile 117.8, across the Delaware River, between PA and NJ, 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, beginning 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 and ending at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012, the cable replacement will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times: Closed-to-navigation each of the following days from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.: December 27-29, 2011; January 3-6, 2012; January 9-13, 2012; and January 16-20, 2012; except vessel openings will be provided with at least eight hours advance notice given to the bridge operator at [phone] or via marine radio on Channel 13.

Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge 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 clearances exceed 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 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 due to the lift cables being removed.

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: December 16, 2011.

Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.