2018-09942. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Reynolds Channel, Nassau County, 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 Long Beach Bridge across Reynolds Channel, mile 4.7, at Nassau County, New York. This deviation is necessary in order to facilitate the “Annual Fireworks Display” and allows the bridge to remain in the closed position.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 9:30 p.m. July 6, 2018 to 10:30 p.m. on July 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0289, 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 Stephanie Lopez, Bridge Management Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Bridge owner, Nassau County Department of Public Works, requested this temporary deviation from the normal operating schedule to facilitate the “Annual Fireworks Display.”

The Long Beach Bridge across Reynolds Channel, mile 4.7, has a vertical clearance of 20 feet at mean high water and 24 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulation is listed at 33 CFR 117.799(g).

The temporary deviation will allow the Long Beach Bridge to remain closed for one hour from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 6, 2018. Reynolds Channel is transited by seasonal recreational vessels and commercial vessels. Coordination with Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound has indicated no mariner objections to the proposed short-term closure of the draw.

Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. There is no alternate route for vessels to pass. 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 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: May 4, 2018.

Christopher J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.