2015-21648. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; English Kills, Brooklyn, NY

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 Metropolitan Ave. Bridge, across the English Kills, mile 3.4, at Brooklyn, New York. This deviation is necessary to remove lead based paint in the bridge control house electrical room. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for 3 days.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on September 10, 2015 through 11:59 p.m. on September 12, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0806] 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, contact Ms. Judy K. Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Ms. Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Metropolitan Ave. Bridge, mile 3.4, across the English Kills has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 10 feet at mean high water and 15 feet at mean low water. The existing bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.801(e).

The waterway has one commercial facility located upstream of the bridge.

New York City DOT requested this temporary deviation from the normal operating schedule to facilitate essential maintenance repairs.

Under this temporary deviation, the Metropolitan Ave. Bridge may remain in the closed position from 12:01 a.m. on September 10, 2015 through 11:59 p.m. on September 12, 2015.

The bridge will not be able to open in the event of an emergency. There is no alternate route for vessel traffic; however, vessels that can pass under the closed draws during this closure may do so at any time.

The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway 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 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 27, 2015.

C.J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.