[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09659]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2016-0285]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway,
South Branch of the Elizabeth River, Chesapeake, VA
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 Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge
across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, South Branch of the
Elizabeth River, mile 5.8, at Chesapeake, VA. The deviation is
necessary to perform urgent bridge repairs. This deviation allows the
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.
DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from April 26,
2016 through 1 p.m. on June 9, 2016. For the purposes of enforcement,
actual notice will be used from 9 a.m. on April 25, 2016, until April
26, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0285] 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 Mrs. Traci Whitfield, Bridge
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6629, email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Norfolk Southern, the bridge owner that
operates the #7 Railroad Bridge, has requested a temporary deviation
from the current operating regulation to perform urgent repairs by
changing the flat tracks across the north and south girders in two
phases. The bridge is a single bascule span and has a vertical
clearance in the closed position of seven feet above mean high water.
Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the
closed-to-navigation position from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, April 25 to May 26, 2016; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday
through Thursday, June 6 to June 9, 2016. At all other times, the
bridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set
out in 33 CFR 117.997(d).
Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may
do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies
and there is no alternate route for vessels unable to pass through the
bridge in the closed position. 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 transits 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: April 21, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-09659 Filed 4-25-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P