Document ID: USCG-2011-0080-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Notice
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Grassy Sound Channel, Middle Township, NJ (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2011-03-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 14279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-6072]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0080]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Grassy Sound Channel, Middle 
Township, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 
Grassy Sound Channel Bridge across the Grassy Sound Channel, mile 1.0, 
at Middle Township, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 
cleaning and painting of the structure. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain closed for the entirety of the deviation period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on March 1, 2011 to 5 
p.m. on April 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0080 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0080 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are 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 A. Knowles, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Fifth District; Coast Guard; telephone 757-398-6587, e-mail 
Terrance.A.Knowles@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape May County Bridge Commission 
(CMCBC), who owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to facilitate 
the cleaning and painting of the bridge structure. Under the regular 
operating schedule required by 33 CFR 117.721, the draw of the bridge 
shall open on signal from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., from May 15 through 
September 30. From 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday in March 
of every year, the draw need not open for vessels. If the fourth Sunday 
falls on a religious holiday, the draw need not open from 9:15 a.m. to 
2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of March of every year. Two hours advance 
notice is required for all other openings by calling (609) 368-4591.
    The Grassy Sound Channel Bridge, mile 1.0, in Middle Township NJ, 
has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 15 feet above mean 
high water. Vessels that can transit under the bridge without an 
opening may do so at any time. Under this temporary deviation, CMCBC 
will maintain the bridge in the closed position to vessels beginning at 
5 a.m. on March 1, 2011 through 5 p.m. on April 30, 2011.
    Historically, in the last two years, the bridge has not opened 
during the months of March and April.
    The Coast Guard will inform 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.
    The drawbridge will open in the event of an emergency. Vessels that 
can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all 
times. Vessels have an alternate route by transiting through the nearby 
Great Channel drawbridge, a detour of approximately two miles.
    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: March 3, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-6072 Filed 3-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P