E7-24049. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Harlem River, New York City, NY

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge across the Harlem River at mile 7.9, at New York City, New York. Under this temporary deviation in effect from January 10, 2008 through April 14, 2008, the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge need not open for the passage of vessel traffic from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The draw shall open on signal one time each day to accommodate vessel traffic between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., after a one-hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on January 10, 2008 through 9 p.m. on April 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, One South Street, New York, New York, 10004, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone]. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Office maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joe Arca, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, across the Harlem River, mile 7.9, at New York City, New York, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 5 feet at mean high water and 9 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.789(f).

The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance, the replacement of the bridge protective fender system at the west end.

Under this temporary deviation in effect from January 10, 2008 through April 14, 2008, the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge need not open for the passage of vessel traffic from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The draw shall open on signal one time each day to accommodate vessel traffic between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., after at least a one-hour notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge 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.

Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal operation schedule.

Notice of the above action shall be provided to the public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where practicable.

Dated: December 4, 2007.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.