Proposed Rules. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation
Citation: FR Doc. 2015-06465 · Docket No. USCG-2015-0164 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the draw of the Coleman Memorial Bridge (US 17/George P. Coleman Memorial Swing Bridge) across the York River, mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate maintenance work on the moveable spans on the Coleman Memorial Bridge. This temporary deviation allows the drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on March 29, 2015 to 5 p.m. on April 4, 2015.

Supplementary Information

The Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and operates this swing bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 33 CFR 117.1025, to facilitate maintenance of the moveable spans on the structure. Under the regular operating schedule, the Coleman Memorial Bridge, mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA, opens on signal except from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the bridge shall remain closed to navigation. The Coleman Memorial Bridge has vertical clearances in the closed position of 60 feet above mean high water. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to navigation from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday March 29, 2015; with an inclement weather date from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday April 4, 2015. The bridge will operate under normal operating schedule at all other times. Emergency openings cannot be provided. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the York River. Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at anytime and are advised to proceed with caution. All other vessels may pass before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The York River is used by a variety of vessels including military, tugs, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with these waterway users. The Coast Guard will also inform additional waterway users through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the closure periods for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impacts 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: March 10, 2015. James L. Rousseau, Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2015-06465 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]