
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 219 (Monday, November 14, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29236]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1022]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern 
Branch, Norfolk, 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 5 Railroad Bridge, mile 1.1, Norfolk, 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. to 5 p.m. on November 
30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1022 and are available online 
at www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1022 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 swing drawbridge, has requested a temporary deviation 
from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.1007(a) to 
facilitate laying new rail.
    Under the current operation schedule, the draw shall remain in the 
open position for navigation. The draw shall only be closed for train 
crossings or periodic maintenance. The Norfolk Southern 5 
Bridge, at mile 1.1, 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 laying new rail, the drawbridge will be maintained in 
the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 30, 
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 
before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.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.
    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. 2011-29236 Filed 11-10-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9910-04-P


