Document ID: USCG-2015-0069-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operations: Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2015-02-12T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02966]

[[Page 7801]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0069]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the draw of the CSX Railroad Bridge, 
across Curtis Creek, mile 1.3, Baltimore, MD. This temporary deviation 
allows the swing bridge to remain in the closed to navigation position 
to facilitate railway tie replacement on the CSX Railroad swing bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on February 23, 2015 to 
4 p.m. on March 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0069] 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. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 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 District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6557, email James.L.Rousseau2@uscg.mil. If you have questions on 
reviewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CSX Corporation, who owns and operates 
this swing bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.5 to facilitate railway tie 
replacement.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the CSX Railroad Bridge, mile 
1.3, in Baltimore, MD, the draw must open promptly and fully for the 
passage of vessels when a request or signal to open is given. The draw 
normally in the open to navigation position and only closes for train 
crossings or periodic maintenance. The CSX Railroad Bridge, at mile 
1.3, across Curtis Creek in Baltimore, MD, has a vertical clearance in 
the closed position to vessels of 13 feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be maintained 
in the closed to navigation position but will be able to open for 
navigation with a 15 to 20 minute advance notice by contacting (410) 
916-5045 or utilizing VHF Channel 13 between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday 
through Thursdays from February 23, 2015 until March 20, 2015. In 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.41, the drawbridge will be tended during 
that time. The bridge will operate under the normal operating schedule 
at all other times. Emergency openings can be provided with advance 
notice by contacting (410) 354-1374 or utilizing VHF Channel 13 or 16. 
There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of 
the Curtis Creek but vessels may pass before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. 
without advance notice.
    Curtis Creek is used by a variety of vessels including military, 
tugs, commercial, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has 
carefully coordinated the restrictions with these waterway users. The 
Coast Guard will also inform additional waterway users through our 
Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the closure periods for the 
bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any 
impacts caused by the temporary deviation. Mariners able to pass under 
the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. 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: February 3, 2015.
James L. Rousseau,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-02966 Filed 2-11-15; 8:45 am]
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