07-860. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Cheesequake Creek, Morgan, NJ

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 New Jersey Transit Rail Operation (NJTRO) Railroad Bridge across Cheesequake Creek, mile 0.2, at Morgan, New Jersey. Under this temporary deviation, the bridge may remain in the closed position for two 24-hour time periods between February 20, 2007 and February 24, 2007. The exact two 24-hour closure dates will be determined based upon favorable weather necessary to perform the scheduled repairs. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from February 20, 2007 through February 24, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, One South Street, New York, New York 10004, 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:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The NJTRO Railroad Bridge, across Cheesequake Creek, mile 0.2, at Morgan, New Jersey, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 3 feet at mean high water and 8 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.709(b).

The owner of the bridge, New Jersey Transit Rail Operation (NJTRO), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance, electrical and structural maintenance. The bridge will not be able to open while the bridge maintenance is underway.

Under this temporary deviation the NJTRO Railroad Bridge may remain in the closed position for two 24-hour time periods between February 20, 2007 and February 24, 2007. The exact two 24-hour closure dates will be selected depending upon favorable weather necessary to perform the required repairs.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible.

This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: February 15, 2007.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.