Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2010-9335 · RIN 1219-AB34 · Corrected · FR Doc. C1-2010-7309 Filed 4-21-10; 8:45 am · 30 CFR 18, 75 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Route 3 Bridge across the Passaic River, mile 11.8, at Clifton, New Jersey. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to protect public safety during bridge maintenance.

Dates

This deviation is effective from May 1, 2010 through October 27, 2010.

Supplementary Information

The Route 3 Bridge has a vertical clearance of 35 feet at mean high water, and 40 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulations listed at 33 CFR 117.739(n), require the bridge to open on signal after at least a 24 hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge. The Route 3 Bridge is in poor condition and will be replaced as soon as possible with a new fixed highway bridge on a different alignment. Because the Route 3 Bridge is in poor condition and poses a hazard to public safety, maintenance must be performed before it is replaced. A submarine utility communication cable is presently located on the proposed alignment of the new replacement bridge and will need to be temporarily relocated during the construction of the new Route 3 highway bridge. The best alternative and least disruptive impact to the environment is to temporarily relocate the communication cable to the underside of the existing Route 3 Bridge. As a result of that temporary installation of the communication cable the existing Route 3 Bridge will not be able to be opened for vessel traffic. The route 3 Bridge has not received a request to open since 1998. Once the new bridge construction is completed and the new bridge is opened for vehicular traffic the old existing Route 3 Bridge will be removed. Vessels able to pass under the closed draw may do so at any time. Waterway users were advised of the requested bridge closure and offered no objection. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge 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: April 13, 2010. Gary Kassof, Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2010-9335 Filed 4-21-10; 8:45 am]