2017-10855. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Charles River, Boston, MA

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 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Craigie) Bridge across the Charles River, mile 1.0, at Boston, Massachusetts. This deviation is necessary in order to facilitate an annual fireworks display and allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for two hours.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 11 p.m. on July 4, 2017 to 1 a.m. on July 5, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0443 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 James L. Rousseau, Senior Bridge Management Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The owner of the bridge, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the normal operating schedule to facilitate a public fireworks event.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Craigie Bridge), mile 1.0, across the Charles River, has a vertical clearance of 5 feet at mean high water and 15 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.591(e).

This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed from 11 p.m. July 4, 2017 to 1 a.m. on July 5, 2017. The waterway is used primarily by seasonal recreational vessels and occasional small commercial traffic. Coordination with waterway users has indicated no objections to this short-term closure of the draw.

Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. There is no alternate route 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 vessel operators 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: May 23, 2017.

C.J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.