
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 128 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 31255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14103]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0595]


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 deviation is 
necessary to complete bridge maintenance and repairs. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed position.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from July 6, 
2017 through 4 p.m. on December 22, 2017. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 8 a.m. on July 1, 2017 
until July 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0595 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 owner of the bridge, the Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority, requested a temporary deviation in order to 
complete rehabilitation work associated with the 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 owner of the Marine Parkway 
(Gil Hodges) Bridge to require vessels seeking an opening of the draw 
to submit a minimum of two hours of advance notice on weekdays (Monday 
through Friday) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from July 1, 
2017 to December 22, 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 under the 
bridge in the closed position. Vessels that can pass under the bridge 
without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge will be able to 
open for emergencies. 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: June 29, 2017.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-14103 Filed 7-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


