[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04006]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2016-0112]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the
operating schedule that governs the S213 (MD213) Bridge across the
Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. This deviation is
necessary to perform bridge maintenance and repairs. This deviation
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.
DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from February
25, 2016 through 6 p.m. on June 1, 2016. For the purposes of
enforcement, actual notice will be used from February 22, 2016 at 9
a.m., until February 25, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0112] is available
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH''
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6222, email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Maryland Department of Transportation
State Highway Administration, that owns and operates the S213 (MD213)
Bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating
regulations to perform a bridge stringer replacement project. The
bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the
closed position of 12 feet above mean high water.
The current operating schedule is open on signal if at least six
hours notice is given as set out in 33 CFR 117.551. Under this
temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation
position from 6 a.m. on February 22, 2016 to 6 p.m. on June 1, 2016.
The Chester River is used by a variety of vessels including small
U.S. government and public vessels, small commercial vessels, and
recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully considered the
nature and volume of vessel traffic on the waterway in publishing this
temporary deviation.
During the closure times there will be limited opportunity for
vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed position
to do so. Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed
position may do so, after receiving confirmation from the bridge tender
that it is safe to transit through the bridge. The bridge will be able
to open for emergencies if at least six hours notice is given and there
is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard
will also inform the users of the waterways through our Local and
Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for
the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange their transit to
minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: February 22, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-04006 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
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