Drawbridge operations: New York,

[Federal Register: September 13, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 176)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 49391]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr13se99-18]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-156]

Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Gowanus Canal, NY

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing the operation of the Ninth Street Bridge, mile 1.4, across Gowanus Canal in New York City, New York. This deviation allows the bridge owner to require an eight hour advance notice for openings from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., daily, from September 7, 1999, through November 5, 1999. This action is necessary to facilitate necessary repairs to the operating machinery at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from September 7, 1999, to November 5, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joeseph Schmied, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Ninth Street Bridge, at mile 1.4, across the Gowanus Canal in New York City, New York, has a vertical clearance of 5 feet at mean high water, and 9 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The bridge is required to open on signal at all times. The bridge owner, New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), requested a deviation from the drawbridge operating regulations to facilitate repairs to the operating machinery at the bridge. This deviation from the operating regulations allows the Ninth Street Bridge to open on signal; except that, from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., daily, from September 7, 1999, through November 5, 1999, the draw shall open if at least eight hours notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge.

Thirty days notice to the Coast Guard for approval of this maintenance repair was not given by the bridge owner and was not required because this work involves vital, unscheduled maintenance that must be performed without undue delay. The Coast Guard has approved NYCDOT's request to because the work was determined to be necessary for public safety and the continued operation of the bridge.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: September 2, 1999. R.M. Larrabee, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, First Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 99-23715Filed9-10-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-M