81 FR 22194 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Delair, NJ to Philadelphia, PA

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 73 (April 15, 2016)

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Delair Bridge across the Delaware River, mile 104.6, between Philadelphia PA and Delair, NJ. The deviation is necessary to perform bridge repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 73 (Friday, April 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 22194]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08690]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0228]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Delaware River, Delair, NJ to 
Philadelphia, PA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Delair Bridge across the Delaware 
River, mile 104.6, between Philadelphia PA and Delair, NJ. The 
deviation is necessary to perform bridge repairs. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on April 30, 2016 to 5 
a.m. on June 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0228] 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Mrs. Traci Whitfield, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6629, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Conrail, owner of the Delair Bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation 
to perform urgent repairs by replacing wire ropes connecting the 
counterweights and the lift span. The bridge is a vertical lift-span 
bridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 49 feet 
above mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.716. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 5 a.m. April 30, 2016 to 5 a.m. May 7, 2016; 
from 5 a.m. May 14, 2016 to 5 a.m. May 21, 2016; and from 5 a.m. June 
4, 2016 to 5 a.m. June 11, 2016. The lift span will not be able to open 
since one counterweight will be detached until the end of the repair 
work.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies 
and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels unable to pass 
through the bridge in the closed position. The rope replacement 
construction schedule was developed through the coordination with Coast 
Guard Sector Delaware Bay and the Mariners' Advisory Committee for the 
Bay and River Delaware (MAC). 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 transits 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: April 11, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-08690 Filed 4-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P