[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 1998)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 17679-17680] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-9516] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [CGD01-98-018] Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Harlem River, NY AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The District Commander, First Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations listed under 33 CFR 117.789, governing the operation of the Willis Avenue Swing Bridge, mile 1.5, across the Harlem River in New York. This deviation allows the bridge owner, the City of New York, to not open the swing span on weekends to facilitate repairs to the bridge deck wearing surface. The east channel will be closed to marine traffic during the repairs but the west channel will be open to vessels which can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening. DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. Saturdays to 8 p.m. on Sundays, March 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29, April 4 & 5, 25 & 26, and May 2 & 3, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gary Kassof, Chief, Bridge Branch at (212) 668-7165. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Willis Avenue Swing Bridge, mile 1.5, over the Harlem River has a vertical clearance of 24 feet at mean high water (MHW) and 30 feet at mean low water (MLW) in the closed position. The City of New York requested a temporary deviation from the operating regulations for the Willis Avenue Swing Bridge in order to conduct repairs to the bridge deck wearing surface. This work is essential for public safety. The existing bridge deck wearing surface has deteriorated and must be replaced as soon as possible. The repairs to the west channel deck have been completed. The remaining work will be performed on the bridge deck over the east channel and will require that the bridge be closed to navigation. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may use [[Page 17680]] the west channel during the closed periods. This deviation to the operating regulations will allow the bridge to remain in the closed position from 6 a.m. on Saturdays through 8 p.m. on Sundays for the following weekends: March 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29; April 4 & 5, 25 & 26; and May 2 & 3, 1998. This deviation from the normal operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: March 16, 1998. James D. Garrison, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 98-9516 Filed 4-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-M