
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 78912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27184]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-1004]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Great Channel, Between Stone 
Harbor and Nummy Island, NJ

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 Cape May County (Ocean Drive/CR619) 
Bridge across the Great Channel, mile 0.7, between Stone Harbor and 
Nummy Island, NJ. This deviation is necessary to avoid bridge failure 
and perform emergency bridge repairs. This deviation allows the bridge 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from November 
10, 2016 through 4 p.m. on December 2, 2016. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from November 7, 2016 at 9 
a.m., until November 10, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-1004] 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. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The County of Cape May, NJ, that owns and 
operates the Cape May County (Ocean Drive/CR619) Bridge, across the 
Great Channel, mile 0.7, between Stone Harbor and Nummy Island, NJ, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
to avoid bridge failure and perform emergency repairs to the bridge, 
due to mechanical failure of the bascule span motor break, machinery 
brakes, and span lock mechanisms. The bridge is a bascule draw bridge 
and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 11 feet above 
mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.720. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position until 4 p.m. on December 2, 2016.
    The Great Channel is used by a variety of vessels including small 
public vessels, commercial vessels, and recreational vessels. The Coast 
Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic 
on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to safely 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 Grassy Sound Channel (Ocean Drive/CR619) Bridge, across 
Grassy Sound Channel, mile 1.0, at North Wildwood, NJ, can be used as 
an 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 transit 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: November 7, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-27184 Filed 11-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


