Document ID: USCG-2017-0758-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Tacony, PA, and Palmyra, NJ
Posted Date: 2017-11-13T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 217 (Monday, November 13, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 52210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24468]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0758]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Tacony, PA, and 
Palmyra, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the SR 73 (Tacony-Palmyra) Bridge 
across the Delaware River, mile 107.2, in between Tacony, PA, and 
Palmyra, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate routine 
maintenance. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on December 15, 2017, 
through 5 p.m. on February 4, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0758] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Mickey Sanders, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6587, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington County Bridge Commission, 
owner and operator of the SR 73 (Tacony-Palmyra) Bridge across the 
Delaware River, mile 107.2, in between Tacony, PA, and Palmyra, NJ, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to 
accommodate annual maintenance to replace machinery components for the 
drive system that operates the bascule spans. The bridge has a vertical 
clearance of 50 feet above mean high water (MHW) in the closed 
position.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.716. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-
to-navigation position for six (6) separate four (4) day periods from 7 
a.m. until 5 p.m. starting from December 15, 2017, through December 18, 
2017; January 4, 2018, through January 7, 2018; January 11, 2018, 
through January 14, 2018; January 18, 2018, through January 21, 2018; 
January 25, 2018, through January 28, 2018; and February 1, 2018, 
through February 4, 2018. The bridge will open on signal at all other 
times.
    The Delaware River is used by a variety of vessels including small 
commercial vessels, recreational vessels and tug and barge traffic. The 
Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with waterway 
users in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so if at least 15 minutes notice is given. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route 
for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. 
The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our 
Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange their 
transits to minimize any impact caused by this temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of this effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 3, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-24468 Filed 11-9-17; 8:45 am]
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