[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 189 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24862]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD09-96-008]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Grand River, MI
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations with request for
comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized a temporary deviation to the
regulations governing the operations of the U.S. Route 31 highway
bridge, mile 2.9 over the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI. This action
was requested by the City of Grand Haven to reduce the effects of
bridge openings on vehicular traffic while still providing for the
reasonable needs of navigation.
.EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of this temporary deviation is
August 5, to October 15, 1996. Comments must be received on or before
October 30, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Documents concerning this regulation are available for
inspection and copying at and comments may be mailed or delivered to
1240 East Ninth Street, Room 2019B, Cleveland, OH 44199-2060 between
6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal
holidays. The telephone number is (216) 522-3993.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Bloom, Project Manager,
Bridge Branch at (216) 522-3993.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Drafting Information
The principal persons involved in drafting this document are Mr.
Robert Bloom, Project Manager, and Lieutenant Commander Charles Dahill,
Project Counsel, Ninth Coast Guard District.
Request for Comments
The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit written
data, or arguments for or against this deviation. Persons submitting
comments should include their name, address, identify this rulemaking
(CGD09-96-008) and give the reason for each comment. Persons wanting
acknowledgement of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped self-
addressed post card or envelope. Persons may submit comment by writing
to the Commander (obr), Ninth Coast Guard District listed under
ADDRESSES.
Background and Purpose
The City of Grand Haven, MI, has requested the Coast Guard approve
a temporary deviation to the regulations which govern the U.S. Route 31
highway bridge at mile 2.9 over the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI. The
bridge presently opens on signal from 3 minutes before to 3 minutes
after the hour and a half hour between 6:03 a.m. and 9:03 p.m. Because
of consistent traffic volumes throughout the day and the low amount of
requests to open the bridge, the City has requested the bridge be
permitted to not open during early morning, midday, and afternoon
periods when rush hour traffic is greatest. Additionally, the City has
requested a reduction in required openings from every half hour to once
an hour, on the half-hour. The commander, Ninth Coast Guard District,
has given consideration to the City's request and the data provided
have merit to support a temporary deviation to the operating
regulations to determine feasibility for a permanent change.
The District Commander granted the City of Grand Haven, MI a
temporary deviation from the operating requirements listed in 33 CFR
117.633 paragraph (c)(3) governing the U.S. Route 31 highway bridge
over the Grand River. This deviation from normal operating regulations
is authorized in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for
the purpose of evaluating possible changes to the permanent
regulations. Under this deviation, the U.S. Route 31 highway bridge
operated by the City of Grand Haven shall open on signal from August 5,
1996 to October 15, 1996 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., once an hour from
3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the half-hour. The bridge need not
open for the passage of vessels during the three minutes before to
three minutes after the half-hour time frames at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,
4:30 p.m., or 5:30 p.m.
Dated: July 31, 1996.
G. F. Woolever,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 96-24862 Filed 9-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
