2014-04737. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bishop Cut, Near Stockton, CA

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 San Joaquin County highway bridge across Bishop Cut, mile 1.0 near Stockton, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow PG&E Company to temporarily interrupt electric service to the area while installing new overhead equipment. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 14, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0071], 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 David H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The County of San Joaquin Public Works Department has requested a temporary change to the operation of the San Joaquin County highway bridge, mile 1.0, over Bishop Cut, near Stockton, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides approximately 6 feet vertical clearance above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.143, the draw opens on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton. Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational.

The drawspan will be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 14, 2014 to allow PG&E Company to install new overhead equipment in the vicinity. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with the waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies, and Disappointment Slough can be used as an alternate route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. 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 vessels 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: February 21, 2014.

D.H. Sulouff,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.