E9-3566. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Hackensack River, Secaucus, NJ, Maintenance

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 Upper Hack Bridge across the Hackensack River, mile 6.9, at Secaucus, New Jersey. Under this temporary deviation the bridge may remain in the closed position for two days to facilitate bridge maintenance. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from February 20, 2009 through February 22, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0002 and are available online at www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: 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, and 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joe Arca, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Upper Hack Bridge, across the Hackensack River, mile 6.9, at Secaucus, New Jersey, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 8 feet at mean high water and 13 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.723(d).

The waterway has seasonal recreational vessels, and commercial vessels of various sizes.

The owner of the bridge, New Jersey Transit Rail Operation (NJTRO), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate the removal of asbestos from the control house.

Under this temporary deviation the Upper Hack Bridge may remain in the closed position from February 20, 2009 through February 22, 2009. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

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.

Dated: February 5, 2009.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.