2015-12737. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; James River, Isle of Wight and Newport News, 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 James River Draw Bridge across the James River, mile 5.0, between Isle of Wight and Newport News, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate electrical repairs to the south tower of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES:

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

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0402], 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. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; 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 Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and operates the James River Draw Bridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 117.5, to facilitate electrical repairs on the south tower of the bridge.

Under the regular operating schedule, the James River Draw Bridge, mile 5.0, between Isle of Wight and Newport News, VA, opens on signal. The bridge is a vertical lift draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 60 feet above mean high water.

Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be closed to navigation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 8, 2015.

The James River is used by a variety of vessels including freighters, tugs, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with commercial and recreational waterway users.

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 there is no alternate route for vessels to pass 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 Notice to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impacts 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 15, 2015.

Hal R. Pitts,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.