
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 205 (Friday, October 23, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26969]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0973]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; York River, Yorktown, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Coleman Memorial Bridge (US 17) 
across the York River, mile 7.0, at Yorktown, VA. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to facilitate 
mechanical repairs to the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. on November 14, 2015, 
until 7 a.m. on November 22, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0973], is 
available at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the 
``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH''.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
who owns and operates the Coleman Memorial Bridge (US 17), has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
to facilitate mechanical repairs to the movable grating between one of 
the movable spans and the fixed bridge. The bridge is a swing bridge 
and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 60 feet above 
mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.1025. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 10 p.m. on November 14, 2015, until 7 a.m. on 
November 15, 2015. If necessary due to inclement weather on November 
14, 2015, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position 
from 10 p.m. on November 21, 2015, until 7 a.m. on November 22, 2015. 
The York River is used by a variety of vessels including deep draft 
ocean-going vessels, U.S. government vessels, small commercial fishing 
vessels, recreational vessels and tug and barge traffic. The Coast 
Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with U.S. government 
and commercial waterway users.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies 
and there is no alternate route for vessels unable to pass through the 
bridge in the closed position. The Coast Guard will also inform the 
users of the waterways through our Local and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so that 
vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impacts caused by 
this 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: October 19, 2015.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-26969 Filed 10-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


