Document ID: USCG-2011-1021-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Notice
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Chesapeake VA (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2011-11-09T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29013]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1021]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 
(AIWW), Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Chesapeake, VA

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 
Norfolk Southern 7 Railroad Bridge across the Elizabeth River 
(Southern Branch), AIWW mile 5.8, at Chesapeake, VA. Under this 
temporary deviation, the drawbridge may remain in the closed position 
on specific dates and times to facilitate laying new rail.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on November 28, 2011 to 
5 p.m. on November 29, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1021 and are available online 
at http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1021 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 email Mr. Jim Rousseau, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth 
Coast Guard District; telephone: (757) 398-6557; Email: 
James.L.Rousseau2@uscg.mil. If you have any questions on viewing the 
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone: (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Norfolk Southern Corporation, who owns 
and operates this single-leaf bascule drawbridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.997(e) to facilitate laying new rail.
    Under the current operating schedule, the bridge shall be left in 
the open position at all times and will only be lowered for the passage 
of trains and to perform periodic maintenance. The Norfolk Southern 
7 Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Elizabeth River 
(Southern Branch) in Chesapeake, VA, has a vertical clearance in the 
closed position to vessels of 7 feet above mean high water.
    To facilitate laying new rail, the drawbridge will be maintained in 
the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 28 
and 29, 2011. The bridge normally operates in the open position with 
several vessels transiting a week. Coordination with waterway users has 
been completed.
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the opening restrictions of 
the draw span to minimize transiting delays caused by the temporary 
deviation. There are no alternate routes available but vessels may pass 
between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mariners able to pass under the bridge in the 
closed position may do so at any time and the bridge is able to open 
for emergencies. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution.
    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: October 26, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-29013 Filed 11-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P