Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, Chincoteague Island, VA
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)
Rules and Regulations
Page 31659
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2018-14616
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
Docket No. USCG-2018-0639
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, Chincoteague Island, VA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the SR 175 Bridge, which carries SR 175 across the Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at Chincoteague Island, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 2018 Annual Pony Run and Auction. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.
DATES: The deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on July 25, 2018, through 6 p.m. on July 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0639 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. Michael Thorogood, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6557, email email protected.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, owner and operator of the SR 175 Bridge that carries SR 175 across the Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at Chincoteague Island, VA, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators associated with the 2018 Annual Pony Run and Auction on July 25, 2018, and July 26, 2018. This bridge is a single-span bascule drawbridge, with a vertical clearance of 15 feet above mean high water in the closed position and unlimited vertical clearance in the open position.
The current operating regulation is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-
to-navigation position from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on July 25, 2018, and July 26, 2018.
The Black Narrows and Lewis Creek Channel is used by a variety of vessels including recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with waterway users in publishing this temporary deviation.
Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position may do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternative route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway 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 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: July 2, 2018.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
FR Doc. 2018-14616 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
