Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Thea Foss Waterway Previously Known as City Waterway, Tacoma, WA, 69562-69564 [2012-28129]

Download as PDF 69562 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2012 / Rules and Regulations (3) If there is a crack in the upper or lower MRH shaft flange, before further flight, replace the MRH shaft. Replacing the MRH shaft with an MRH shaft having a part number listed in the applicability of this AD does not constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EC135–62A–029, Revision 2, dated May 17, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2012–0085–E, dated May 17, 2012. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor Head. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 30, 2012. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–28100 Filed 11–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0994] Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Barataria Bayou, Lafitte, LA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:35 Nov 19, 2012 Jkt 229001 Notice of temporary deviation from regulations. ACTION: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the LA 302 (Kerner) swing span bridge across the Barataria Bayou, mile 35.7, at Lafitte, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to allow a movie production crew to safely film at the bridge site. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 12 hours on two separate nights. DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 p.m. on November 28 through 6 a.m. November 30, 2012. ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG–2012– 0994 and are available online by going to https://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG–2012–0994 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box 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 email Kay Wade, Bridge Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 504–671–2128, email Kay.B.Wade@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the swing span bridge across the Barataria Bayou at mile 35.7 in Lafitte, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is 7.2 feet above Mean High Water, elevation 0.8 feet and unlimited in the open-tonavigation position. Vessels will not be allowed to pass under the bridge during the closure. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge opens on signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the swing span of the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the evenings of Wednesday, November 28, 2012 and Thursday, November 29, 2012. The closure is necessary in order to safely allow movie production crews to film at the bridge site. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners System. Navigation on the waterway consists of commercial and recreational fishing vessels, oil industry supply boats, crew boats, tug boats and standard barges. No alternate routes are available for the passage of vessels; however, the closure was coordinated with waterway interests who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations around the proposed schedule. The bridge will be able to open in the event of an emergency. Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on vessels that use the waterway. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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. Dated: November 2, 2012. David M. Frank, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–28126 Filed 11–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0911] Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Thea Foss Waterway Previously Known as City Waterway, Tacoma, WA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Murray Morgan Bridge, also known as the South 11th Street Bridge, across the Thea Foss Waterway, mile 0.6, previously known as City Waterway, at Tacoma, WA. This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operating schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed. This test deviation will modify the existing regulation and add an advance notification requirement for obtaining bridge openings during designated times. The Coast Guard has also published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) under docket number USCG–2012–0911 to which comments may be posted SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2012 / Rules and Regulations This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on January 1, 2013 through 8 a.m. June 15, 2013. Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before [Insert date 45 days after date of publication in the Federal Register]. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2012–0911 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email the Bridge Administrator, Coast Guard Thirteenth District; telephone 206–220–7282 email randall.d.overton@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2012–0911), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (https:// www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via https:// www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:35 Nov 19, 2012 Jkt 229001 when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2012– 0911,’’ click ‘‘Search,’’ and then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8c by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. 2. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number ‘‘USCG–2012–0911’’ in the ‘‘Search’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. 3. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). 4. Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one using one of the four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 69563 explain 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. B. Basis and Purpose The Coast Guard, at the request of the City of Tacoma, proposes to change the regulation which governs the operating schedule of the Murray Morgan Bridge. This temporary deviation will test three separate changes requested by the City of Tacoma. The first change requires that for bridge openings needed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., notification be made no later than 8 p.m. prior to the desired opening. This differs from the existing regulation in that presently the bridge is required to open at all times (except during authorized closure periods) provided two hours advance notice is given. This deviation to the regulation which adds the requirement of notification by 8 p.m. for openings between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is being tested because openings between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. are extremely rare. Over an 18 month period there were only 6 bridge openings requested between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. which averages one bridge opening request per three month period. One of the unique features of the Murray Morgan Bridge is its height above the waterway providing 60 feet of clearance at mean high water (MHW) in the closed position. Because of this vertical clearance the overwhelming majority of vessels which transit this waterway do not require a bridge opening. The majority of bridge openings are for locally moored and operated recreational sailboats with mast heights over 60 feet. Almost all of these vessels are moored at marinas in very close proximity of the bridge. The second change being tested in this deviation is removing the authorized bridge closure periods in the morning and afternoon. The current regulation states that the draw need not be opened from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, for vessels of less than 1,000 gross tons. This test deviation requires the draw to open at all times with proper advance notification. The morning and afternoon authorized closures of the bridge outlined in the existing regulation were put into place when the bridge was part of SR 509, a continuous route from Northeast Tacoma to downtown, and traffic volumes were approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. In 1997 a new SR 509 was constructed approximately 0.7 miles south of the bridge and is now used as the main traffic corridor. After E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with 69564 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2012 / Rules and Regulations completion of the new SR 509, the Murray Morgan Bridge connection between Northeast Tacoma and downtown was severed due to roadway reconfiguration, resulting in traffic volumes dropping dramatically; therefore, the bridge no longer conveys high volumes of traffic during the morning and afternoon rush hours. The third change being tested in this deviation is principally administrative and changes the contact information for emergency bridge openings. The existing regulation states ‘‘In emergencies, openings shall be made as soon as possible upon notification to the Washington State Department of Transportation.’’ The change being tested in this deviation requires notification for emergency opening to be made to the City of Tacoma. The reason for this change is because Washington State turned over ownership and responsibility of the bridge to the City of Tacoma on January 6, 1998. Under this temporary deviation the bridge will operate as follows. The draw of the Murray Morgan Bridge, also known as the South 11th Street Bridge, across Thea Foss Waterway, previously known as City Waterway, mile 0.6, at Tacoma, shall open on signal if at least two hours notice is given. However, to obtain a bridge opening between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. notification must be made to the City of Tacoma by 8 p.m. In emergencies, openings shall be made as soon as possible upon notification to the City of Tacoma. The Murray Morgan Bridge is a vertical lift bridge which provides a vertical clearance of 60 feet above mean high water. Vessels which do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridge at any time. The Coast Guard has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) under docket number USCG–2012–0911 to receive comments on these changes. Comments can be submitted for this deviation or for the NPRM by following procedures outlined in the SUBMITTING COMMENTS section above. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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. Dated: October 2, 2012. Randall D. Overton, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–28129 Filed 11–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:35 Nov 19, 2012 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0979] Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bayou Boeuf, Amelia, LA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company swing span bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to complete scheduled repairs necessitated by a bridge allision. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for sixteen consecutive hours. DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012. ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG–2012– 0979 and are available online by going to https://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG–2012–0979 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box 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 email Jim Wetherington, Bridge Branch Office, Coast Guard; telephone 504– 671–2128, email james.r.wetherington@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BNSF Railway Company has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the swing span railroad bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The bridge provides no vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge currently opens on signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 position from 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012. The closure is necessary in order to change out a shaft and reducer gear damaged during a bridge allision earlier this year. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners System. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. An alternate route is available by using the GIWW, Morgan City to Port Allen Alternate Route. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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. Dated: November 6, 2012. David M. Frank, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–28128 Filed 11–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 64 [Docket ID FEMA–2012–0003; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–8257] Suspension of Community Eligibility Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This rule identifies communities where the sale of flood insurance has been authorized under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are scheduled for suspension on the effective dates listed within this rule because of noncompliance with the floodplain management requirements of the program. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receives documentation that the community has adopted the required floodplain management measures prior to the effective suspension date given in this rule, the suspension will not occur and a notice of this will be provided by publication in the Federal Register on a subsequent date. Also, information identifying the current participation SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69562-69564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28129]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0911]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Thea Foss Waterway Previously 
Known as City Waterway, Tacoma, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for 
comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Murray Morgan Bridge, also known as 
the South 11th Street Bridge, across the Thea Foss Waterway, mile 0.6, 
previously known as City Waterway, at Tacoma, WA. This deviation will 
test a change to the drawbridge operating schedule to determine whether 
a permanent change to the schedule is needed. This test deviation will 
modify the existing regulation and add an advance notification 
requirement for obtaining bridge openings during designated times. The 
Coast Guard has also published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
under docket number USCG-2012-0911 to which comments may be posted

[[Page 69563]]


DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on January 1, 2013 
through 8 a.m. June 15, 2013. Comments and related material must reach 
the Coast Guard on or before [Insert date 45 days after date of 
publication in the Federal Register].

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2012-0911 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Deliveries 
accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.
    See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion 
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these 
four methods.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email the Bridge Administrator, Coast Guard Thirteenth 
District; telephone 206-220-7282 email randall.d.overton@uscg.mil. If 
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, 
without change, to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

1. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2012-0911), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (https://www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand delivery, 
but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online 
via https://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the 
Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, 
hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having 
been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket 
Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a 
mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of 
your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding 
your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2012-0911,'' 
click ``Search,'' and then click on the balloon shape in the 
``Actions'' column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand 
delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8[frac12] by 
11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit 
them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, 
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will 
consider all comments and material received during the comment period 
and may change the rule based on your comments.

2. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
type the docket number ``USCG-2012-0911'' in the ``Search'' box and 
click ``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' on the line 
associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of 
Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.

3. Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

4. Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain 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.

B. Basis and Purpose

    The Coast Guard, at the request of the City of Tacoma, proposes to 
change the regulation which governs the operating schedule of the 
Murray Morgan Bridge. This temporary deviation will test three separate 
changes requested by the City of Tacoma.
    The first change requires that for bridge openings needed between 
10 p.m. and 8 a.m., notification be made no later than 8 p.m. prior to 
the desired opening. This differs from the existing regulation in that 
presently the bridge is required to open at all times (except during 
authorized closure periods) provided two hours advance notice is given. 
This deviation to the regulation which adds the requirement of 
notification by 8 p.m. for openings between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is being 
tested because openings between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. are extremely rare. 
Over an 18 month period there were only 6 bridge openings requested 
between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. which averages one bridge opening request 
per three month period. One of the unique features of the Murray Morgan 
Bridge is its height above the waterway providing 60 feet of clearance 
at mean high water (MHW) in the closed position. Because of this 
vertical clearance the overwhelming majority of vessels which transit 
this waterway do not require a bridge opening. The majority of bridge 
openings are for locally moored and operated recreational sailboats 
with mast heights over 60 feet. Almost all of these vessels are moored 
at marinas in very close proximity of the bridge.
    The second change being tested in this deviation is removing the 
authorized bridge closure periods in the morning and afternoon. The 
current regulation states that the draw need not be opened from 6:30 
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, for 
vessels of less than 1,000 gross tons. This test deviation requires the 
draw to open at all times with proper advance notification. The morning 
and afternoon authorized closures of the bridge outlined in the 
existing regulation were put into place when the bridge was part of SR 
509, a continuous route from Northeast Tacoma to downtown, and traffic 
volumes were approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. In 1997 a new SR 
509 was constructed approximately 0.7 miles south of the bridge and is 
now used as the main traffic corridor. After

[[Page 69564]]

completion of the new SR 509, the Murray Morgan Bridge connection 
between Northeast Tacoma and downtown was severed due to roadway 
reconfiguration, resulting in traffic volumes dropping dramatically; 
therefore, the bridge no longer conveys high volumes of traffic during 
the morning and afternoon rush hours.
    The third change being tested in this deviation is principally 
administrative and changes the contact information for emergency bridge 
openings. The existing regulation states ``In emergencies, openings 
shall be made as soon as possible upon notification to the Washington 
State Department of Transportation.'' The change being tested in this 
deviation requires notification for emergency opening to be made to the 
City of Tacoma. The reason for this change is because Washington State 
turned over ownership and responsibility of the bridge to the City of 
Tacoma on January 6, 1998.
    Under this temporary deviation the bridge will operate as follows. 
The draw of the Murray Morgan Bridge, also known as the South 11th 
Street Bridge, across Thea Foss Waterway, previously known as City 
Waterway, mile 0.6, at Tacoma, shall open on signal if at least two 
hours notice is given. However, to obtain a bridge opening between 10 
p.m. and 8 a.m. notification must be made to the City of Tacoma by 8 
p.m. In emergencies, openings shall be made as soon as possible upon 
notification to the City of Tacoma. The Murray Morgan Bridge is a 
vertical lift bridge which provides a vertical clearance of 60 feet 
above mean high water. Vessels which do not require a bridge opening 
may continue to transit beneath the bridge at any time.
    The Coast Guard has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) 
under docket number USCG-2012-0911 to receive comments on these 
changes. Comments can be submitted for this deviation or for the NPRM 
by following procedures outlined in the SUBMITTING COMMENTS section 
above.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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.

    Dated: October 2, 2012.
Randall D. Overton,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-28129 Filed 11-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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