[Federal Register: January 14, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 9)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 2141]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ja98-8]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-97-090]

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Corson Inlet, Strathmere, New 
Jersey

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
drawbridge across Corson Inlet, mile 0.9, at Strathmere, New Jersey. 
Beginning at 6 a.m. on January 12, through 6 a.m. on February 2, 1998, 
the bridge will be maintained in the closed position to navigation. 
This closure is necessary to facilitate extensive repairs and maintain 
the bridge's operational integrity.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on January 12, 1998 until 
6 a.m. on February 2, 1998.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The drawbridge across Corson Inlet is owned 
and operated by the Cape May County Bridge Commission (CMCBC). On 
December 2, 1997, a letter was forwarded to the Coast Guard by the 
general contractor for CMCBC requesting a temporary deviation from the 
normal operation of the bridge to implement extensive repairs and 
improvements to the bridge. The current regulation at Title 33, Code of 
Federal Regulations, Section 117.714, requires the draw to open on 
signal at all times, except that from October 1 through May 15, from 10 
p.m. to 6 a.m., the draw need only open if at least two hours notice is 
given.
    The bridge repairs include the reconstruction of the rest pier for 
the single-leaf bascule span; installation of access ladders; 
strengthening deteriorated concrete pile legs; repairing the undermined 
areas below two piers; and various concrete spall repairs. Due to the 
two-girder configuration of the bascule span, the reconstruction of the 
rest pier requires the bascule span to be locked in position for a 
period of 22 days.
    The Coast Guard reviewed CMCBC's bridge logs for 1992 through 1996. 
According to the bridge logs, this bridge has not experienced an 
opening for a marine vessel during the winter months from 1992 to 1996. 
Based upon these records, vessels are not expected to be negatively 
impacted by the temporary deviation.
    From 6 a.m. on January 12, until 6 a.m. on February 2, 1998, this 
deviation allows the drawbridge across Corson Inlet to remain closed to 
navigation.

    Dated: January 2, 1998.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 98-951 Filed 1-13-98; 8:45 am]
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