[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 242 (Wednesday, December 17, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 66006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32884]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-97-086]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
US 460 (Berkley Bridge) drawbridge across the Eastern Branch of the 
Elizabeth River, mile 0.4, at Norfolk, Virginia. Beginning December 15, 
1997 through January 9, 1998, this deviation restricts bridge openings 
between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week. During 
these times, vessels requiring bridge lifts will be required to provide 
the Berkley Bridge bridge tender with a two-hour advance notice. This 
closure is necessary to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation 
to conduct an oil change on the major lift equipment while still 
providing for the reasonable needs of navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from December 15, 1997 through 
January 9, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at 
(757) 398-6222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Berkley Bridge is owned and operated by 
the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and maintained by the 
Elizabeth River Tunnels Department of Maintenance. On December 1, 1997, 
VDOT sent a letter to the Coast Guard requesting a temporary deviation 
from the normal operation of the bridge in order to accommodate the 
maintenance work. Presently, the draw is required to open on signal at 
any time except from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Between the hours 
of 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., vessels with a 
draft of 22 feet or more may request a bridge lift provided at least 12 
hours advance notice is given.
    The maintenance work involves draining and subsequent refilling of 
oil in the gear boxes in the major lift equipment of the US 460 
(Berkley Bridge) drawbridge. Vessels presently transiting through the 
Berkley Bridge during the hours of deviation will not be negatively 
impacted since bridge lifts will be provided with a two-hour advance 
notice.
    From December 15, 1997 to January 9, 1998, this deviation restricts 
bridge lifts of the Berkley Bridge between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 
p.m. seven days a week. Vessels requiring a bridge lift during these 
times will be required to provide a two-hour advance notice to the 
Berkley Bridge bridge tender. All other provisions of Sec. 117.1007 
remain in effect during the period of the deviation.

    Dated: December 8, 1997.
Roger Rufe, Jr.,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 97-32884 Filed 12-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M