Document ID: USCG-2011-0696-0002
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Notice
Title: Drawbridge Operations: Grassy Sound Channel, Middle Township, NJ (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2011-08-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 161 (Friday, August 19, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21187]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0696]

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 regulation governing the operation of the 
Grassy Sound/Ocean Drive Bascule Bridge across the Grassy Sound 
Channel, mile 1.0, at Middle Township, NJ. The deviation is necessary 
to accommodate racers in ``The Wild Half'' half marathon. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to ensure 
safe passage for the half marathon racers.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:45 a.m. through 11 a.m. on 
August 28, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0696 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0696 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 Lindsey Middleton, Coast Guard; telephone 757-398-6629, 
e-mail Lindsey.R.Middleton@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing 
the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Cape May County Department of Public Works 
has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating 
regulations of the Grassy Sound/Ocean Drive Bascule Bridge across the 
Grassy Sound Channel, mile 1.0, at Middle Township, NJ. The route of 
``The Wild Half'' half marathon crosses the bridge twice and the 
requested deviation is to accommodate the race participants. To 
facilitate this event, the draw of the bridge will be maintained in the 
closed-to-navigation position from 7:45 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Sunday 
August 28, 2011.
    The vertical clearance for this bridge in the closed position is 15 
feet at Mean High Water and unlimited in the open position. The 
operating regulations are set forth in 33 CFR 117.721 which states that 
during this time of year the bridge shall open on signal from 6 a.m. to 
8 p.m.
    Vessels that can pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. The Coast Guard will inform the waterway users of 
the closure through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners to 
minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation. The bridge will 
be able to open for emergencies. In the past 6 years there have been 
minimal openings for this bridge during the morning hours in August. 
Most vessel traffic consists of a few tugs and tows and recreational 
boaters. Vessels can use the Stone Harbor Bridge across the Great 
Channel as an alternate route to Hereford Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.
    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: August 2, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager By direction of the Commander Fifth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2011-21187 Filed 8-18-11; 8:45 am]
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