Drawbridge operations: Massachusetts,

[Federal Register: January 6, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 4)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 710]

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

[DOCID:fr06ja00-10]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 177

[CGD01-99-193]

Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Saugus River, MA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the existing drawbridge regulations for the Fox Hill SR107 Bridge, mile 2.5, across the Saugus River between Saugus and Lynn, Massachusetts. This deviation allows the bridge owner to open the bridge only three times each day for vessel traffic. This deviation is necessary to facilitate repairs to replace structural steel, floor beams and the wearing surface at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from January 3, 2000 to March 2, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John McDonald, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, (617) 223-8364.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Fox Hill SR107 Bridge has a vertical clearance of 6 feet at mean high water and 16 feet at mean low water.

The existing regulations for the Fox Hill SR107 Bridge in 33 CFR 117.618(c) require the bridge to open on signal; except that, from October 1 through May 31, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., daily, and all day on December 25 and January 1, the draw shall open as soon as possible, but not more than one one-hour, after notice is given to the drawtenders either at the bridge during the time the drawtenders are on duty or by calling the number posted at the bridge.

The bridge owner, Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD), asked the Coast Guard to allow the bridge to open on signal, only, at 6 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., from January 3, 2000, through March 2, 2000.

The purpose of this temporary deviation is to facilitate necessary repairs to the bridge. Structural steel, floor beams, and the bridge wearing surface will be replaced during the 60 day repair period. The bridge can not open for vessel traffic during the replacement of the above components. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: December 17, 1999. R.M. Larrabee, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, First Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 00-257Filed1-5-00; 8:45 am]

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