[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]


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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.

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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]
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