[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 143 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44881]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17915]


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 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0651]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; York River, Between Yorktown and 
Gloucester Point, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the operation of the Coleman Memorial 
Bridge (US 17/George P. Coleman Memorial Swing Bridge) across the York 
River, mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA. This 
deviation is necessary to facilitate maintenance work on the moveable 
spans on the Coleman Memorial Bridge. This temporary deviation allows 
the drawbridge to remain in the closed to navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on August 18, 2013 to 5 
p.m. August 25, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0651] 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. Jim Rousseau, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6557, email [email protected]. If you have questions on 
reviewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
who owns and operates this swing bridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 33 CFR 
117.1025, to facilitate maintenance of the moveable spans on the 
structure.
    Under the regular operating schedule, the Coleman Memorial Bridge, 
mile 7.0, between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, VA, opens on signal 
except from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays the bridge shall remain closed to 
navigation. The Coleman Memorial Bridge has vertical clearances in the 
closed position of 60 feet above mean high water.
    Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to 
navigation from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday August 18, 2013; with an 
inclement weather date from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday August 25, 2013. 
The bridge will operate under normal operating schedule at all other 
times. Emergency openings cannot be provided. There are no alternate 
routes for vessels transiting this section of the York River. The York 
River is used by a variety of vessels including military, tugs, and 
recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with these waterway users.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do 
so at anytime and are advised to proceed with caution. The bridge will 
not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate 
route for vessels to pass transiting this section of the York River but 
vessels may pass before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The Coast Guard will 
also inform additional waterway users through our Local and Broadcast 
Notices to Mariners of the closure periods 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: July 12, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-17915 Filed 7-24-13; 8:45 am]
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