
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 91810-91811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30354]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-1029]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Northeast Cape Fear River, 
Wilmington, NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation; modification.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the CSX Hilton Railroad Bridge across 
the Northeast Cape Fear River, mile 1.5, at Wilmington, NC. This 
modified deviation is necessary to manually operate the bridge and 
perform emergency bridge repairs. This modified deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from 
December 19, 2016 through 6 p.m. on December 30, 2016. For the purposes 
of enforcement, actual notice will be used from December 9, 2016 at 6 
p.m., until December 19, 2016.

[[Page 91811]]


ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-1029] 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 modified 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 25, 2016, the Coast Guard 
published a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation 
Regulation; Northeast Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC'' in the Federal 
Register (81 FR 85160). Under that temporary deviation, the bridge will 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position and open on signal during 
daylight hours, if at least 3 hours notice is given. The CSX 
Corporation, owner and operator of the CSX Hilton Railroad Bridge 
across the Northeast Cape Fear River, mile 1.5, in Wilmington, NC, has 
requested a modified temporary deviation from the current operating 
regulations due to an electrical casualty to the submarine cable and 
electrical components caused by Hurricane Matthew. The bridge is 
limited to manual operation, which requires personnel to manually 
operate components of the bridge in locations where additional safety 
measures are required, limiting the bridge to daylight operations. This 
modified temporary deviation, extending the date until 6 p.m. on 
December 30, 2016, is necessary for completion of repairs to the 
bridge. The bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 4 feet above mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.829(b). 
Under this modified temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position and open on signal during daylight hours, 
if at least 3 hours notice is given. Communications with the bridge 
tender may be interrupted during drawbridge operations. Notice may be 
given via 904-381-5793 (CSX Engineering Help Desk), if unable to 
contact the bridge tender via normal established methods.
    The Northeast Cape Fear River is used by a variety of vessels 
including small commercial fishing vessels, recreational vessels and 
tugs and barges. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with waterway users.
    Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed 
position may do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to 
pass. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways 
through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in 
operating schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange 
their transit to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    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 13, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-30354 Filed 12-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


