[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 172 (Friday, September 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-23899]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD07-98-055]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Coast Guard has issued a
temporary deviation to the regulation governing the operation of the
East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge across Biscayne Bay, between Miami
and Miami Beach, at Miami Beach, Dade County, Florida. This deviation
allows the drawbridge owner or operator to close the bridge from 5 p.m.
until 8 a.m. daily. The draw will open each hour on the hour from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. The draw shall open at any time for public
vessels of the United States, State and local vessels used in public
safety, vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or
property, commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage
operations, and vessels seeking shelter from severe weather. This
temporary deviation is issued to allow the bridge owner to safely
conduct necessary repairs to the drawbridge.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on August 21 until 5
p.m. on October 19, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brodie Rich, Project Manager,
Seventh Coast Guard District, Bridge Section at (305) 536-5117.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background and Purpose
The East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge across Biscayne Bay between
Miami and Miami Beach, has a vertical clearance of 5.8 feet above mean
high water (MHW) and 8 feet above mean low water (MLW) measured at the
fenders in the closed position. On August 12, 1998, the State of
Florida Department of Transportation requested a deviation from the
current operating schedule in 33 CFR 117.269. This temporary deviation
was requested to allow necessary repairs to the drawbridge and relieve
concerns by the Venetian Isle residents that the leafs of the
drawbridge might get caught in the open-to-navigation position, thereby
stranding residents on the islands while the West Venetian Drawbridge
over the Intracoastal Waterway is being replaced. The District
Commander has granted a temporary deviation from the operating
requirements listed in 33 CFR 117.269 governing the East Venetian
Causeway Bridge across Biscayne Bay in accordance with the provisions
of 33 CFR 117.35(a) for the purpose of conducting repairs to the
drawbridge. Under this deviation, the East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge
need open only on the hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. At all other
times, the drawbridge may remain in the closed position. The deviation
is effective for a period of 60 days beginning on August 21, 1998 and
ending on October 19, 1998.
Dated: August 24, 1998.
Norman T. Saunders,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 98-23899 Filed 9-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M
