Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Apponagansett River, Massachusetts

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-94-058]

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Apponagansett River,

Massachusetts

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for

comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized the Town of Dartmouth,

Massachusetts, to temporarily deviate for ninety (90) days from the

operating regulations governing the Padanaram Bridge mile 1.0 over the

Apponagansett River in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. This deviation limits

the number of openings during peak traffic periods of the day. This

deviation will permit evaluation of the regulated opening schedule on

both marine and vehicular traffic in conjunction with the operation of

new automatic, in lieu of manual, traffic gates.

DATES:

(1) The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994

through August 31, 1994.

(2) Comments on the effects of the deviation must be received on or

before September 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard

District, Captain John Foster Williams Federal Building, 408 Atlantic

Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3350. Comments and other materials

referenced in this notice are available for inspection and copying by

appointment at the above address. Normal office hours are between 6:30

a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Comments may also be hand-delivered to the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William C. Heming, Bridge Administrator, First Coast Guard District,

(212) 668-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

The Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River between Dartmouth

and South Dartmouth has a vertical clearance of 9' above mean high

water (MHW) and 12' above mean low water (MLW). The current operating

regulations (33 CFR 117.587) provide that from 1 May to 31 October from

5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the bridge need open on signal only on the hour

and half hour. At all other times at least six hours advance notice

must be given.

This deviation permits the bridge to open twice an hour, on the

hour and half hour, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and

once an hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In the spring of 1993, the Town of Dartmouth requested a change

from the operating regulations to permit opening once an hour rather

than twice an hour. The town selectmen felt that the traffic congestion

during peak summer months was a result of the bridge opening every 30

minutes and was causing village commerce to suffer. The selectmen also

considered the 30 minute opening schedule a serious risk to public

safety because emergency vehicles could not travel to and from South

Dartmouth during the traffic delays caused by the bridge opening every

half hour. The Town of Dartmouth requested that the bridge be required

to open only once an hour for a test period of 60 days to evaluate the

effects on vehicular and marine traffic. This request was approved and

the first deviation from the permanent regulations was effective from

July 1, 1993, through August 29, 1993. See (58 FR 38056; July 15,

1993). It provided an opportunity to evaluate the effects of the

deviation on marine and vehicular traffic. The Coast Guard implemented

a second deviation for thirty-two days (32) to the regulations to

evaluate alternative opening time periods for the Padanaram Bridge. See

(58 FR 47067; Sep. 7, 1993). There were 29 comment letters received for

these deviation periods. Twenty were in favor of the hourly openings

and nine were opposed to the change. Most of the letters in opposition

indicated that the lack of facilities to tie up vessels while waiting

for openings was the main concern. The Town of Dartmouth has installed

traffic signals, automatic traffic gates, navigational lights,

clearance gauges and regulation signs since the last deviation period

of 32 days was implemented.

Additionally, a detailed engineering study has been prepared for

major repairs to the bridge. The town has requested state funds for the

proposed repairs and expects approval in the fall of 1994. The Coast

Guard is authorizing a third deviation for a period of 90 days to

evaluate the effects of the recent improvements to the bridge. This

third temporary deviation retains the requirement for the bridge to

open on signal as soon as possible for vessels of the United States,

state and local vessels used for public safety and vessels in distress.

Request for Comments

The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in

evaluation of possible changes to the regulations governing the

Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River by submitting written

data, or arguments for or against the deviation. Persons submitting

comments should include their name and address and identify this

Rulemaking (CGD01-94-058) and the specific section of this deviation to

which each comment applies, and give reason for each comment. Persons

wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped

self-addressed post card or envelope.

The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the

comment period. If it appears appropriate to propose a permanent change

to the regulations, the Coast Guard will publish a notice of proposed

Rulemaking and request additional comments as part of the Rulemaking

process. All comments received from this and the previous deviations

will be considered in the Rulemaking process. Persons may submit

comments by writing to the Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District

listed under ADDRESSES.

Notice

Notice is hereby given that:

(1) The Coast Guard has granted the Town of Dartmouth,

Massachusetts, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements

listed in 33 CFR 117.587 paragraph (b) governing the Padanaram Bridge

over the Apponagansett River.

(2) This deviation from normal operating regulations is authorized

in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of

evaluating possible changes to the permanent regulations.

(3) The period of deviation is effective June 3, 1994 to August 31,

1994.

(4) During the deviation period the Padanaram Bridge shall operate

as follows:

(i) From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. the bridge

shall open on signal, twice an hour, on the hour and the half hour.

(ii) From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the bridge shall open on signal once an

hour, on the hour.

(iii) From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the bridge shall open on signal if at

least 6 hours advance notice is given.

Dated: May 31, 1994.

K.W. Thompson,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commander, First Coast Guard.

[FR Doc. 94-14449 Filed 6-20-94; 8:45 am]

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