
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09659]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0285]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
South Branch of the Elizabeth River, Chesapeake, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge 
across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, South Branch of the 
Elizabeth River, mile 5.8, at Chesapeake, VA. The deviation is 
necessary to perform urgent bridge repairs. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from April 26, 
2016 through 1 p.m. on June 9, 2016. For the purposes of enforcement, 
actual notice will be used from 9 a.m. on April 25, 2016, until April 
26, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0285] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mrs. Traci Whitfield, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6629, email Traci.G.Whitfield@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Norfolk Southern, the bridge owner that 
operates the #7 Railroad Bridge, has requested a temporary deviation 
from the current operating regulation to perform urgent repairs by 
changing the flat tracks across the north and south girders in two 
phases. The bridge is a single bascule span and has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of seven feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through 
Thursday, April 25 to May 26, 2016; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday 
through Thursday, June 6 to June 9, 2016. At all other times, the 
bridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set 
out in 33 CFR 117.997(d).
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. 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 Notices to 
Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so that 
vessel operators can arrange their transits to minimize any impact 
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: April 21, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-09659 Filed 4-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


