
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 110 (Friday, June 9, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 26746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12045]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0369]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Jamaica Bay, Queens, NY

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 Marine Parkway (Gil Hodges) Bridge 
across Rockaway Inlet, mile 3.0, at Queens, NY. This action is 
necessary to complete bridge maintenance and repairs. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed position.

DATES:  This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from 
June 9, 2017 through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2017. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from May 13, 2017 at 5 p.m. 
until June 9, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0369 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 James M. Moore, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
212-514-4334, email james.m.moore2@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 
owner of the bridge, requested a temporary deviation in order to 
facilitate replacement of lift span machinery. The Marine Parkway (Gil 
Hodges) Bridge across Rockaway Inlet, mile 3.0 at Queens, New York has 
a vertical clearance of 55 feet at mean high water and 59 feet at mean 
low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating 
regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.795(a).
    The temporary deviation will allow the Marine Parkway (Gil Hodges) 
Bridge to remain in the closed position from 5:01 p.m. May 13, 2017 to 
11:59 p.m. June 30, 2017.
    The waterway is transited by seasonal recreational traffic as well 
as commercial vessels, largely tug and barge combinations. The 55 foot 
vertical clearance while the bridge is in the closed position offers 
the bulk of commercial traffic sufficient room to transit the 
navigation opening of the structure even when in the closed position. 
Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at 
all times. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and 
there is no immediate alternate route for vessels unable to pass 
through the bridge when 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 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: May 23, 2017.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-12045 Filed 6-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


