Document ID: USCG-2012-1052-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operations: Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, Norfolk, VA (Fedeeral Register Publication) (Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.)
Posted Date: 2012-12-17T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 242 (Monday, December 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 74586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30286]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-1052]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the operation of the Norfolk Southern 
V2.8 Railroad Bridge across the Elizabeth River (Eastern 
Branch), mile 2.7, at Norfolk, VA. This deviation is necessary to 
facilitate replacing bearings on the Norfolk Southern V2.8 
Railroad Bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the drawbridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position on specific dates and 
times.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on December 18, 2012, 
until to 8 a.m. on December 21, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-1052 and are available online 
at www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-1052 in the ``Search'' 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Jim Rousseau, Bridge 
Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone (757) 398-
6557, email James.L.Rousseau2@uscg.mil. If you have any questions on 
reviewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Norfolk Southern Corporation, owner and 
operator of the swing span Norfolk Southern V2.8 Railroad 
Bridge, mile 2.7, at Norfolk, VA, has requested a temporary deviation 
from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.1007(a), 
to accommodate bearing replacement.
    Under the normal operating schedule the bridge shall be left in the 
open position at all times and will only be closed for the passage of 
trains and to perform periodic maintenance. The Norfolk Southern 
V2.8 Bridge, at mile 2.7, across the Elizabeth River (Eastern 
Branch) in Norfolk, VA, has a vertical clearance in the closed position 
to vessels of 6 feet above mean high water.
    To facilitate bearing replacement, the drawbridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. on December 
18, 2012, to 8 a.m. on December 21, 2013. 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 this temporary 
deviation. There are no alternate routes available. Mariners able to 
pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time and 
the bridge is not 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 effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: December 5, 2012.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-30286 Filed 12-14-12; 8:45 am]
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