
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9502-9503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-02457]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-1026]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Perquimans River, Hertford, NC

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 US17 (Perquimans) Bridge across the 
Perquimans River, mile 12.0, at Hertford, NC. This deviation is 
necessary to perform a bridge deck replacement project. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from February 
7, 2017 through 6 p.m. on March 17, 2017. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from January 25, 2017 at 3:25 
p.m., until February 7, 2017.

[[Page 9503]]


ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-1026] 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 North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, that owns and operates the US17 (Perquimans) Bridge 
across the Perquimans River, mile 12.0, at Herford, NC, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulations to perform a 
bridge deck replacement project. The bridge will be unable to balance 
during the bridge deck replacement project. As balance is required for 
safe operation of the moveable span, the bridge will not be capable of 
safe operation for the duration of the bridge deck replacement project. 
The bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the 
closed position of 7 feet above mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.835. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 8 a.m. on January 25, 2017, to 6 p.m. on March 
17, 2017.
    The Perquimans River is used by a variety of vessels including 
small public vessels, small commercial vessels, and recreational 
vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions 
with waterway users.
    Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed 
position may do so, after receiving confirmation from the bridge tender 
that it is safe to transit through the bridge. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route 
for vessels to pass. 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: January 25, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-02457 Filed 2-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


