03-15926. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, AICW, VA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the existing S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) mile 12.0, at Chesapeake, Virginia to allow the bridge owner to conduct needed construction of the new S168 (Great Bridge) lift-span bridge. The work will be performed on four three-day closure periods to navigation.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on July 22, 2003, to 8 a.m. on August 22, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Bill Brazier, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Tidewater Skanska Corporation (TSC), on behalf of the bridge owner (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 33 CFR 117.997(g) which requires the drawbridge to open on signal, except that, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., the draw need be opened only on the hour. If any vessel is approaching the bridge and cannot reach the draw exactly on the hour, the draw tender may delay the hourly opening up to 10 minutes past the hour for the passage of the approaching vessel and any other vessels that are waiting to pass. Vessels in an emergency condition, which presents danger to life or property, shall be passed at any time. TSC has requested the temporary deviation to close the existing S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge to navigation to erect the new S168 (Great Bridge) lift-span bridge.

The work involves the installation of bascule spans, formation of gearing and operation of electrical controls for the new S168 (Great Bridge) lift-span bridge. To facilitate this construction, the existing S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge will be locked in the closed position to vessels on four three-day closure periods from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m., from July 22-25 (closure 1); from August 5-8 (closure 2); from August 12-15 (closure 3); and from August 19-22, 2003 (closure 4). During this period, the work requires completely immobilizing the operation of the swing span in the closed position to vessels. At all other times, the bridge will operate in accordance with the current operating regulations outlined in 33 CFR 117.997(g). In the event of inclement weather, the alternate start dates are: July 28 (closure 1); August 11 (closure 2); August 14 (closure 3); and August 21, 2003 (closure 4). Calling the project superintendent at [phone] will provide for emergency opening requests.

The Coast Guard has informed the known users of the waterway of the closure periods for the bridge so that these vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.

The District Commander has granted temporary deviation from the operating requirements listed in 33 CFR 117.35 for the purpose of repair completion of the drawbridge. The temporary deviation allows the S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, AICW, mile 12.0, at Chesapeake, Virginia, to remain closed to navigation on four three-day closure periods: from July 22-25 (closure 1); from August 5-8 (closure 2); August 12-15 (closure 3); and from August 19-22, 2003 (closure 4), from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate start dates are: July 28 (closure 1); August 11 (closure 2); August 14 (closure 3); and August 21, 2003 (closure 4).

Dated: June 12, 2003.

Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,

Chief, Bridge Administration Section, Fifth Coast Guard District.