Drawbridge operations: Florida,
[Federal Register: April 25, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 80)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 20441-20442]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25ap02-3]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
[CGD07-02-032]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
SUMMARY: The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has approved a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge across the St. Johns River, mile 24.9, Jacksonville, Florida. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 12:01 a.m. on April 22 until 6 p.m. on April 26, 2002, and from 12:01 a.m. on April 29 until 6 p.m. on May 3, 2002, for emergency repairs.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on April 22 until 6 p.m. on May 3, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at Commander (obr), Seventh Coast Guard District, 909 S.E. 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33131 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Barry Dragon, Chief, Operations Section, Seventh Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch at (305) 415-6743.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge across the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida, is a single leaf bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 9 feet above mean high water (MHW) measured at the fenders in the closed position with a horizontal clearance of 195 feet. The current operating regulation in 33 CFR 117.325(c) requires that the bridge be constantly tended and have a mechanical override capability for the automated operation. A radiotelephone must be maintained at the bridge for the safety of navigation. The draw is normally in the fully open position, displaying flashing green lights to indicate that vessels may pass. When a train approaches, large signs on both the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge flash ``Bridge Coming Down,'' the lights go to flashing red, and siren signals sound. After an eight minute delay, the draw lowers and locks if there are no vessels under the draw. The draw remains down for a period of eight minutes or while the approach track circuit is occupied. After the train has cleared, the draw opens and the lights return to flashing green.
On April 3, 2002, the drawbridge owner requested a deviation from the current operating regulations to allow the owner or operator to close this bridge to vessel traffic for emergency repairs. On April 8, 2002, a conference
[[Page 20442]]
call was held between FEC officials and interested users of the waterway to determine the best times to conduct these emergency repairs. This deviation is the result of this coordinated effort.
Dated: April 15, 2002. Greg Shapley, Chief, Bridge Administration, Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 02-10177Filed4-24-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P
