Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2014-04373 · USCG-2014-0024 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, across Newtown Creek, mile 1.3, at New York City, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge painting operations at the bridge. This temporary deviation authorizes the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge to remain in the closed position for up to six consecutive days followed by four consecutive days of full operation at various times during the effective period of this deviation.

Dates

This deviation is effective from May 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.

Supplementary Information

The Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, across Newtown Creek, mile 1.3, at New York City, New York, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 26 feet at mean high water and 31 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.801(g). The waterway is transited by commercial and seasonal recreational vessels of various sizes. The bridge owner, New York City Department of Transportation, requested approval to allow the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge to remain in the closed position for up to six consecutive days followed by four days of full operation to facilitate bridge sandblasting and painting operations. The bridge painting closures can only be implemented between May and September in order to minimize impacts to commercial barge traffic carrying home heating oil upstream. The Coast Guard contacted all known commercial waterway users regarding this deviation and no objections were received. Under this temporary deviation the draw of the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge may remain in the closed position at various times during this deviation for up to six consecutive days followed by four days of full bridge operation. Each six day closure will be announced two weeks in advance in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNTM) along with a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNTM) to help facilitate marine transportation system planning. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: February 11, 2014. C.J. Bisignano, Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2014-04373 Filed 2-27-14; 8:45 am]