2013-10608. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; York River, between Yorktown and Gloucester Point, VA

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 draw of the US 17/George P. Coleman Memorial Swing Bridge across the York River, at mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate electrical work on the George P. Coleman Memorial Swing Bridge. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on July 8, 2013 to 5 p.m. on July 12, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0283] 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. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 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 temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Jim Rousseau, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and operates this swing bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.1025, to facilitate electrical work on the structure.

Under the regular operating schedule, the Coleman Memorial Bridge, at mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA opens on signal except from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays the bridge shall remain closed to navigation. The Coleman Memorial Bridge has vertical clearances in the closed position of 60 feet above mean high water.

Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to navigation from 7 a.m. on Monday July 8, 2013 to 5 p.m. on Friday April 12, 2013. Emergency openings cannot be provided. There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the York River.

The York River is used by a variety of vessels including military, tugs, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with military, commercial, and recreational waterway users. The Coast Guard will inform users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the closure periods for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impacts caused by the temporary deviation. Mariners able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution.

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: April 23, 2013.

Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.