Drawbridge operations: New Jersey,

[Federal Register: February 6, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 25)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 6100-6103]

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

[DOCID:fr06fe03-11]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-02-065]

RIN 2115-AE47

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Raccoon Creek, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to change the regulations that govern the operation of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (CONRAIL) Railroad Bridge across Raccoon Creek at mile 2.0, in Bridgeport, New Jersey. The proposed rule would increase openings and eliminate the need for a bridge tender by allowing the bridge to be operated by a train crewmember. This change will provide for the reasonable needs of navigation.

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before April 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to Commander (Aowb), Fifth Coast Guard District, Federal Building, 4th Floor, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-5004, or they may be hand delivered to the same address between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. The telephone number is (757) 398- 6222. The Commander (Aowb), Fifth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and 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 the above address.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting

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comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CCGD5-02- 065), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know they reached us, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change this proposed rule in view of them.

Public Meeting

We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District at the address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

Background and Purpose

CONRAIL, who owns and operates this movable (swing-type) bridge, requested changes to the operating procedure for the drawbridge located at mile 2.0 across Raccoon Creek, in Bridgeport, New Jersey. Currently, Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 117.741 requires the bridge to open on signal from March 1 through November 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. At all other times, the draw must open on signal if at least four hours notice is given. The draw must open at all times as soon as possible for passage of a public vessel of the United States.

In late September 2002, CONRAIL will be installing a new Programmable Logic Controller and associated mechanical, electrical and signal apparatus on the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge over Raccoon Creek in Bridgeport, New Jersey. The proposal would allow a radio-controlled system to operate the opening and closing of the swing span, which would be controlled from the cab of the locomotive. From March 1 through November 30, the swing bridge will normally be left in the fully opened position displaying flashing green channel lights indicating that vessels may pass through. At all other times, the draw the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge need only open on signal if at least four hours notice is given by calling (856) 231-2393.

When a train approaches the bridge, it will stop and a train crewmember will observe the waterway for approaching craft, which will be allowed to pass. The train crewmember will then enter a prearranged code number using a radio keypad. The radio code will send a radio signal to the Programmable Logic Controller attached to the bridge, which will begin the process of closing the bridge. At that time, the bridge channel lights will change from flashing green to flashing red, a horn blast will sound four times, followed by a pause, then the four horn blasts will be repeated and the bridge will close. Once closed, the train will proceed across the bridge. After the train has cleared the swing span, which is approximately 300 feet from the bridge, the horn will automatically sound five times to indicate the span of the bridge is about to return to the full open position. Channel traffic lights would change from flashing green to flashing red any time the bridge is not in the full open position. In the full open position, the channel traffic lights will turn from flashing red to flashing green.

This change is being requested to make the closure process of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge be more efficient during train crossings and periodic maintenance and to save operational costs by eliminating bridge tenders while providing greater bridge operating capabilities.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

The Coast Guard proposes to revise 33 CFR 117.741, which governs the Route 130 highway bridge, mile 1.8 and the CONRAIL Railroad bridge at mile 2.0, both across Raccoon Creek in Bridgeport, New Jersey. From March 1 through November 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., the draw of both bridges currently open on signal. At all other times, the draws shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given. The draws shall open at all times as soon as possible for passage of a public vessel of the United States.

The current paragraph would be divided into paragraphs (a) and (b). Paragraph (a) would contain the existing rule for the Route 130 highway bridge, mile 1.8, at Bridgeport and would state that the draw of shall open on signal from March 1 to November 30. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given.

Paragraph (b) would contain the proposed rule for the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge, mile 2.0, at Bridgeport. The proposed rule would require the draw of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge, mile 2.0, at Bridgeport, to be operated by a train crewmember. From March 1 through November 30, the bridge would be left in the open position and would only close for the passage of trains and to perform periodic maintenance authorized in accordance with subpart A of this part.

At all other times, the draw of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge need only open on signal if at least four hours notice is given by calling (856) 231-2393.

When the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge closes for any reason, a train crewmember will assist in observing the waterway for approaching craft, which will be allowed to pass. The train crewmember will then operate the bridge by control radiophone.

The CONRAIL Railroad Bridge would only be closed if the train crewmember's visual inspection shows that the channel is clear and there are no vessels transiting in the area.

While the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge is moving from the full open position to the full closed position, the train crewmember will maintain constant surveillance of the navigation channel to ensure no conflict with maritime traffic exists. In the event of failure or obstruction, the train crewmember will stop and return to the full open position.

The CONRAIL Railroad Bridge channel traffic lights would change from flashing green to flashing red any time the bridge is not in the full open position. During span movement, the channel traffic lights would change from flashing green to flashing red, the horn will sound four times, followed by a pause, then the four blasts will be repeated and the bridge will close.

When the rail traffic has cleared, the horn will automatically sound five times to indicate that the draw of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge is about to return to its full open position. During the open span movement, the channel traffic lights would turn from flashing green to flashing red, the horn will sound four times, followed by a pause, then four repeat blasts of the horn until the bridge is in the full open position. In the full open position, the bridge channel traffic lights will turn from flashing red to flashing green. After the train has cleared the bridge by leaving the track circuit, any delay in opening of the draw shall not exceed ten minutes except as provided in 33 CFR 117.31(b).

The surplus language currently stated in 33 CFR 117.741 would be removed to be consistent with the general operating regulations under 33 CFR 117.31. The Coast Guard intends to delete the phrase ``the draws shall open on signal as soon as possible for passage of a public vessel of the United States.'' This requirement is currently published in 33 CFR

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117.31(a)(1) and is no longer required to be published in each specific bridge regulation.

Regulatory Evaluation

This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not ``significant'' under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT)(44 FR 11040, February 26, l979).

We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. We reached this conclusion based on the fact that the proposed changes for the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge regulation will provide for greater flow of vessel traffic than the current regulations of the drawbridge.

Under the current regulations, the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge remains closed and open after proper signal March 1 through November 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The proposed regulation will require the bridge to remain in the open position from March 1 through November 30, permitting vessels to pass freely. The bridge will close only for train crossings and bridge maintenance. This proposed regulation will provide for the reasonable needs of navigation.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.

The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. The proposed rule will provide for the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge to remain in the open position from March 1 through November 30, allowing the free flow of vessel traffic. The bridge would only close for the passage of trains and maintenance.

If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, (757) 398-6222.

Collection of Information

This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).

Federalism

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

This proposed rule would not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

To help the Coast Guard establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indian and Alaskan Native tribes, we published a notice in the Federal Register (66 FR 36361, July 11, 2001) requesting comments on how to best carry out the Order. We invite your comments on how this proposed rule might impact tribal governments, even if that impact may not constitute a ``tribal implication'' under the Order.

Energy Effects

We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. It has not been designated by the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.

Environment

We have considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, this rule is

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categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

Bridges.

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 117 as follows:

PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATIONS REGULATIONS

1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:

   Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 49 CFR 1.46; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g); Section 117.255 also issued under authority of Pub.L. 102-587, 106 Stat. 5039.

2. Section 117.741 is revised to read as follows:

   Sec. 117.741 Raccoon Creek.

   (a) The draw of the Route 130 highway bridge, mile 1.8 at Bridgeport, shall open on signal:

   (1) March 1 through November 30, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

   (2) At all other times, if at least four hours notice is given.

   (b) The draw of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge, mile 2.0 at Bridgeport, shall operate as follows:

   (1) From March 1 through November 30, the draw shall be left in the open position at all times and will only be close for the passage of trains and to perform periodic maintenance authorized in accordance with subpart A of this part.

   (i) Trains shall be controlled so that any delay in opening of the draw shall not exceed ten minutes except as provided in Sec. 117.31(b).

   (ii) Before the bridge closes for any reason, a train crewmember will observe the waterway for approaching craft, which will be allowed to pass. A train crewmember will then operate the bridge by radiophone. The bridge shall only be closed if a train crewmember's visual inspection shows that the channel is clear and there are no vessels transiting in the area.

   (iii) While the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge is moving from the full open to the full closed position, a train crewmember will maintain constant surveillance of the navigational channel to ensure no conflict with maritime traffic exists. In the event of failure or obstruction, the train crewmember will stop the bridge and return the bridge to the open position.

   (iv) The CONRAIL Railroad channel traffic lights will change from flashing green to flashing red anytime the bridge is not in the full open position.

   (v) During closing of the span, the channel traffic lights will change from flashing green to flashing red, the horn will sound four times, followed by a pause, then the four blasts will be repeated and the bridge will close. When the rail traffic has cleared the swing span, the horn will automatically sound five times to signal the draw of the CONRAIL Railroad Bridge is about to return to its full open position.

   (vi) During open span movement, the channel traffic lights will be flashing red, the horn will sound four times, followed by a pause, then four blasts will be repeated until the bridge is in the full open position. In the full open position, the channel traffic lights will then turn from flashing red to flashing green.

   (2) At all other times, the draw may be left in the closed position and opened on signal if at least four hours notice is given by telephone at (856) 231-2393.

   Dated: January 28, 2003. James D. Hull, Vice Admiral, USCG, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.

   [FR Doc. 03-2930 Filed 2-5-03; 8:45 am]

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