2016-20482. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD

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 S213 (MD 213) Bridge across the Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge maintenance. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES:

The deviation is effective 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 to 6 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0783] 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 Mr. Michael Thorogood, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Maryland State Highway Administration, who owns and operates the S213 (MD 213) Bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.551, to facilitate painting of the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 p.m. September 6, 2016 to 6 a.m. October 30, 2016. The bridge is a double bascule drawbridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position of 12 feet above mean high water.

The Chester River is used by recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.

For the duration of the bridge maintenance, vessels will not be allowed to pass through the bridge due to placement of barges and equipment in the main navigation span. The bridge will open for vessels on signal during the scheduled closure periods, if at least 24 hours notice is given. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternative route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local Notice 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: August 19, 2016.

Hal R. Pitts,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.