
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 190 (Friday, September 30, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25179]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0846]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Narrow Bay, Smith Point, NY

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Smith Point Bridge, 6.1, across Narrow Bay, between Smith Point and 
Fire Island, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge 
rehabilitation. This deviation allows the bridge to open only one of 
the two moveable spans for the passage of vessel traffic.

DATES: This deviation is effective from September 26, 2011 through 
December 21, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0846 and are available online 
at http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0846 in the 
``Keyword'' and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available for 
inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or e-mail Ms. Judy Leeung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard 
District, judy.k.leung-yee@uscg.mil, or telephone (212) 668-7165. If 
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Smith Point Bridge, across Narrow Bay, 
mile 6.1, between Smith Point and Fire Island, New York, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 16 feet at mean high water and 18 
feet at mean low water. The drawbridge operation regulations are listed 
at 33 CFR 117.799(d).
    The waterway users are recreational vessels of various sizes.
    The owner of the bridge, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, 
requested a temporary deviation from the regulations to facilitate 
bridge rehabilitation, repairs to the bascule spans. During the bridge 
repairs only one moveable span will be opened for the passage of vessel 
traffic.
    The main navigation channel provides 55 feet of horizontal 
clearance with unobstructed vertical clearance during a bridge opening.
    During this temporary deviation the main channel will only provide 
27.5 feet of horizontal clearance with unobstructed vertical clearance 
during a bridge opening.
    The Coast Guard believes that this temporary deviation should meet 
the reasonable needs of navigation because the recreational users that 
normally use this bridge are recreational vessels that can safely pass 
through a 27.5 foot horizontal clearance due to their relative small 
size. In addition, most of the above recreational vessels do not 
operate during the fall and winter months when this deviation will be 
in effect.
    Under this temporary deviation the Smith Point Bridge may open only 
one of the two moveable spans for the passage of vessel traffic between 
September 26, 2011 and December 21, 2011.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time.
    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: September 13, 2011.
Gary Kassof,
Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011-25179 Filed 9-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


