2018-03470. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Mianus River, Greenwich, CT

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 Metro-North Bridge across the Mianus River, mile 1.0 at Greenwich, Connecticut. The deviation is necessary to repair the superstructure and replace timber ties. This deviation allows the bridge to be closed to navigation.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on April 10, 2018 to 8 a.m. on May 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0097 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 [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The owner of the bridge, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT), requested a temporary deviation to conduct superstructure repair and timber ties replacement. The Metro-North Bridge across the Mianus River, mile 1.0, at Greenwich Connecticut has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 20 feet at mean high water and 27 feet at mean low water. The existing bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.209.

This temporary deviation allows the bridge to operate from 8 a.m. April 10, 2018 to 8 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018 as follows: From 8 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Friday, the draw is authorized to remain closed to navigation; from 4:01 p.m. Friday to 7:59 a.m. Monday, the draw shall open with 24 hours advance notice.

The deviation will have negligible effect on vessel navigation. The waterway is transited primarily by seasonal recreational vessels and small commercial fishing vessels. In 2016 there were six openings and in 2017 there were 19 openings between the effective dates. CT DOT has notified waterway users, the harbormaster, and town officials of the requested deviation. No objections to the proposed closure were received. Vessels that can pass through the bridge in the closed position may continue to do so. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. CT DOT will issue a press release announcing the closure. The Coast Guard will inform waterway users of the closure through 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: February 14, 2018.

Christopher J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.