2016-04278. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Long Creek & Sloop Channel, Hempstead, NY

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 Loop Parkway Bridge, mile 0.7, across Long Creek, and the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge, mile 12.8, across Sloop Channel, both at Hempstead, New York. This temporary deviation is necessary to facilitate the Dee Snider's Motorcycle Ride to Fight Hunger on Long Island.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 18, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0139] 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 Ms. Judy K. Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Long Island Cares, Inc. requested and the bridge owner for both bridges, the State of New York Department of Transportation, concurred with this temporary deviation from the normal operating schedule to facilitate a public event, the Dee Snider's Motorcycle Ride to Fight Hunger.

The Loop Parkway Bridge, mile 0.7, across Long Creek has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 21 feet at mean high water and 25 feet at mean low water. The existing bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.799(f).

The Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge, mile 12.8, across Sloop Channel has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 22 feet at mean high water and 25 feet at mean low water. The existing bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.799(h).

Long Creek and Sloop Channel are transited by commercial fishing and recreational vessel traffic.

Under this temporary deviation, the Loop Parkway and the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridges may remain in the closed position between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on September 18, 2016.

Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridges will not be able to open for emergencies and there are no immediate alternate routes for vessels to pass.

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 vessels 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: February 23, 2016.

C.J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.