Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2011-4854 · Docket No. USCG-2011-0116 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge, across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate the cleaning and painting of the structure.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on March 15, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2011.

Supplementary Information

The North Carolina Department of Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical-lift bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to facilitate painting of the structure. Under the regular operating schedule the bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 117.5, except that under 33 CFR 117.823, the draw need not open for the passage of vessels from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of July and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of November every year. The Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at Wilmington, NC has vertical clearances in the open and closed positions of 135 feet and 65 feet above mean high water, respectively. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will operate as follows: From 7 a.m. on March 15, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2011 vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. In addition, to accommodate scaffolding, the available vertical clearances of portions of the drawbridge (up to half of the drawbridge at one time) will be reduced by approximately four feet to 131 feet and 61 feet above mean high water, respectively. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Cape Fear River. Typical vessel traffic on the Cape Fear River includes a variety of vessels from freighters, tug and barge traffic, and recreational vessels. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may continue to do so at anytime. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with commercial and recreational waterway users. The Coast Guard will use Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners to inform all users of the waterway of the closure periods for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impacts caused by the temporary deviation. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the draw 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 23, 2011. Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2011-4854 Filed 3-3-11; 8:45 am]