2015-11017. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway (NJICW), Atlantic City, NJ

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 US 40-322 (Albany Avenue) Bridge across Inside Thorofare, NJICW mile 70.0, at Atlantic City, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon. The deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to vessels requesting a bridge opening to ensure the biker's safety and that there are no delays.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation [USCG-2015-0334] is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the “Search” box and click “Search.” Click on the 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 Kashanda Booker, Bridge Management Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on reviewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The American Cancer Society on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation of the US 40-322 (Albany Avenue) Bridge across Inside Thorofare, NJICW mile 70.0, at Atlantic City, NJ. The closure has been requested to ensure the safety of the bikers and spectators that will be participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon. Under this temporary deviation, the US 40-322 (Albany Avenue) Bridge will remain in the closed position from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, 2015.

The vertical clearance of this bascule bridge is 10 feet above mean high water in the closed position and unlimited in the open position. The current operating regulation is outlined at 33 CFR 117.733(f), which requires that the bridge shall open on signal, except that from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the draw need only open on the hour and half hour.

The majority of the vessels that transit the bridge this time of year are recreational boats. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. The Atlantic Ocean is an alternate route for vessels with mast heights greater than 10 feet. The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners' of the closure periods so that vessels can plan their transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation. At all other times during the affected period, the bridge will operate as outlined at 33 CFR 117.733(f).

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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 28, 2015.

Hal R. Pitts,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.