2018-12310. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Charles River, Boston, MA

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 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Craigie) Bridge across Charles River, mile 1.0, at Boston, Massachusetts. This deviation is necessary to facilitate the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, 2018, and allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for two hours.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 11 p.m. on July 4, 2018 through 1 a.m. on July 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0516 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 Jeffrey Stieb, Bridge Management Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Craigie) Bridge across Charles River, mile 1.0, at Boston, Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance of 12 feet at normal pool in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.591(e).

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation requested a temporary deviation from the normal operating schedule. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed from 11 p.m. on July 4, 2018 through 1 a.m. on July 5, 2018 to allow pedestrian traffic to exit the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The waterway is used extensively by recreational traffic during the fireworks display. A State Police Unit will be on-scene to direct vessel traffic. Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. There is no alternate route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard will inform users of the waterway of the change in operating schedule through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners 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: June 4, 2018.

C.J. Bisignano,

Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.