Drawbridge operations: Maryland,

[Federal Register: February 17, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 31)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 7788]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr17fe99-10]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-99-005]

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Cambridge Creek, Cambridge, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the drawbridge across Cambridge Creek, mile 0.1, in Cambridge, Maryland. Beginning March 15, 1999, through March 19, 1999, this deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation 24-hours a day. This closure is necessary to facilitate the replacement of the fender system piling.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This deviation is effective 24-hours a day from March 15, 1999 through March 19, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cambridge Creek drawbridge is owned and operated by the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA). The current regulations in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Sec. 117.549 require the draw to open on signal from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; except that, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, the draw need not be opened. From 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., seven-days a week, the draw need not be opened.

On December 16, 1998, the Coast Guard received a request from MDSHA to close the navigation channel at the Cambridge Creek bridge to facilitate the replacement of the fender system piling. This work will also result in the complete closure of the drawbridge. MDSHA held a town meeting at which businesses and marinas affected by this replacement work requested a complete closure of the roadway to speed construction. A complete closure allows the replacement work to be completed before the weather warms up and their fishing and tourist season begins.

The Coast Guard has advised the local Coast Guard units, including Activities Baltimore, of the bridge's closure on the requested dates, and they did not object. The Coast Guard will inform the commercial/ recreational users of the waterway of the bridge closures in the weekly Notice to Mariners so that these vessels can arrange their transits to avoid being negatively impacted by the temporary deviation.

Beginning March 15, 1999, through March 19, 1999, this deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation 24-hours a day.

Dated: February 3, 1999. Roger T. Rufe, Jr., Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 99-3767Filed2-16-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-M