E9-9637. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn, NY, Maintenance

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 Hamilton Avenue Bridge across the Gowanus Canal, mile 1.2, at Brooklyn, New York. Under this temporary deviation the bridge shall require a four-hour advance notice for bridge openings for three months and a three day bridge closure to facilitate bridge maintenance. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on April 21, 2009 through 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

and are available online at www.regulations.gov,, selecting the Advanced Docket Search Option on the right side of the screen, inserting USCG-2009-0223 in the Docket ID box, pressing Enter, and then clicking on the item in the Docket ID column. This material is 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 Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, telephone [phone]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Hamilton Avenue Bridge, across the Gowanus Canal, mile 1.2, at Brooklyn, New York, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 19 feet at mean high water and 23 feet at mean low water. The Drawbridge Operation Regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.5. The waterway has seasonal recreational vessels, and commercial vessels of various sizes. The owner of the bridge, New York City Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation to facilitate the training of bridge personnel, mechanical and electrical testing at the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation the Hamilton Avenue Bridge shall require at least a four-hour advance notice for bridge openings from April 24, 2009 through July 31, 2009. In addition a three day bridge closure will be necessary from 6 a.m. on April 21, 2009 through 8 p.m. on April 23, 2009, to facilitate bridge railing installation.

Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times. Notice may be provided by calling [phone].

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 period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: April 10, 2009.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.