2010-13909. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Between Tacony, PA and Palmyra, NJ

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 Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73), across the Delaware River, mile 107.2, between the townships of Tacony, PA and Palmyra, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the resurfacing of the bridge roadway. This deviation reduces the vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed position by three feet and restricts operation of the draw span.

DATES:

This temporary deviation is effective with actual notice beginning 8 p.m. on May 26, 2010, and with constructive notice beginning 8 p.m. June 10, 2010 until 5 a.m. July 31, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0467 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2010-0467 in the “Keyword” box and then clicking “Search”. This material is 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 e-mail Mr. Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, at telephone [phone], e-mail [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 bascule 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 resurfacing of the bridge roadway.

The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73) at mile 107.2, across the Delaware River, between PA and NJ, has a vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels of 53 feet above mean high water (MHW). This clearance will be reduced for safety netting by approximately three feet to 50 feet above MHW.

Under this temporary deviation, the resurfacing repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times: Closed-to-navigation, each day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., from May 26, 2010 to July 31, 2010; except vessel openings will be provided with at least four 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.

Due to the limited number and types of vessels that require bridge openings, the Coast Guard has coordinated this project with the Delaware River Pilots, 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. Four hours advance notice may be required for an emergency opening.

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: May 26, 2010.

Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,

Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District.