
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20482]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0783]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD

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 S213 (MD 213) Bridge across the 
Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. The deviation is 
necessary to facilitate bridge maintenance. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: The deviation is effective 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 
to 6 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0783] 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 Mr. Michael Thorogood, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6557, email Michael.R.Thorogood@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The Maryland State Highway Administration, 
who owns and operates the S213 (MD 213) Bridge, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 
33 CFR 117.551, to facilitate painting of the bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be in the closed-
to-navigation position from 8 p.m. September 6, 2016 to 6 a.m. October 
30, 2016. The bridge is a double bascule drawbridge and has a vertical 
clearance in the closed-to-navigation position of 12 feet above mean 
high water.
    The Chester River is used by recreational vessels. The Coast Guard 
has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic on the 
waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    For the duration of the bridge maintenance, vessels will not be 
allowed to pass through the bridge due to placement of barges and 
equipment in the main navigation span. The bridge will open for vessels 
on signal during the scheduled closure periods, if at least 24 hours 
notice is given. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies 
and there is no immediate alternative route for vessels to pass. The 
Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our 
Local Notice 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: August 19, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-20482 Filed 8-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


