Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Hackensack River, Jersey City, NJ

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Lower Hack Bridge across the Hackensack River, mile 3.4, at Jersey City, New Jersey. The deviation is necessary to repair structural steel members on the lift span. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to facilitate the above repairs.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. on May 26, 2011 through 5 a.m. on May 27, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0330 and are available online at http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0330 in the “Keyword” and then clicking “Search.” They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail Mr. Joe Arca, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, joe.m.arca@uscg.mil, telephone (212) 668-7165. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Lower Hack Bridge, across the Hackensack River at mile 3.4, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 40 feet at mean high water and 45 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.723(b).

The waterway accommodates both commercial and recreational vessels of various sizes. Recreational navigation passes under the bridge without requiring any drawbridge openings.

The owner of the bridge, New Jersey Transit, requested a temporary deviation to facilitate necessary structural steel repairs at the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation the Lower Hack Bridge, across the Hackensack River at mile 3.4, may remain in the closed position from 10 p.m. on May 26, 2011 through 5 a.m. on May 27, 2011. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.