[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 245 (Friday, December 22, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60674-60675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27642]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-1048]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Merrimack River, Newburyport, MA

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 US1 Bridge across the Merrimack 
River, mile 3.4, at Newburyport, MA. The deviation is necessary to 
replace the electrical power and control systems which are at the end 
of their life cycle. This deviation allows the bridge to be closed to 
navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on January 2, 2018 
through 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-1048 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. Jeffrey Stieb, First Coast Guard 
District Bridge Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 617-223-8364, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The owner of the bridge, the Massachusetts 
Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation. The 
existing electrical power and control system malfunctions and is at the 
end of its expected life. The US1 Bridge across the Merrimac River, 
mile 3.4, at Newburyport, Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in 
the closed position of 35 feet at mean high water. The existing bridge 
operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.605.
    This temporary deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed 
to navigation position from 12:01 a.m. on January 2, 2018 through 11:59 
p.m. on April 15, 2018. The deviation will have negligible effect on 
vessel navigation. The waterway is transited primarily by seasonal 
recreational vessels of various sizes. During this time period, no 
requests for an opening were made in 2016 and only one request was made 
in 2017.
    Vessels that can pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies; 
however, Coast Guard and harbormaster vessels are able to pass through 
the bridge in the closed position. The Newburyport and Salisbury 
harbormasters support the repair work being conducted in the winter 
season rather than the recreational boating season. The Massachusetts 
Department of Transportation has notified local yacht

[[Page 60675]]

yards and marinas and will release a media advisory. No objections to 
the proposed deviation have been received. The Coast Guard will inform 
waterway users of the closure through our Local and Broadcast Notices 
to Mariners.
    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: December 8, 2017.
Christopher J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-27642 Filed 12-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


