2012-2780. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Annisquam River and Blynman Canal, Gloucester, MA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the SR127 Bridge at mile 0.0 across the Annisquam River and Blynman Canal. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge rehabilitation repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during two separate phases.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from February 15, 2012 through April 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0034 and are available online at www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2012-0034 in the “Keyword” and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. John McDonald, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, [e-mail], or telephone [phone]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The SR127 Bridge, across the Annisquam River/Blynman Canal, mile 0.0, at Gloucester, Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 7 feet at mean high water and 16 feet at mean low water. The drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.586.

The owner of the bridge, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the regulations to facilitate bridge rehabilitation repairs during two separate phases.

During the first phase of the temporary deviation, the SR127 Bridge may remain in the closed position from February 15, 2012 through March 8, 2012, to replace bridge stringers. At the end of the first phase the bridge will return to its regular operating schedule. During the second phase of the temporary deviation, the bridge may remain in the closed position from March 12, 2012 through April 10, 2012, to rehabilitate the bridge operating machinery. At the end of the second phase the bridge will return to its regular operating schedule.

The Gloucester Harbor Master and the local marinas were notified and no objections were received.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time periods. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: January 25, 2012.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.