[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 48314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19208]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0665]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milford Haven Inlet, Hudgins, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the VA State Route 223 Bridge (Gwynn's 
Island) across the Milford Haven Inlet, mile 0.1, at Hudgins, Virginia. 
The deviation is necessary to rehabilitate the bridge, including repair 
of the truss, the bridge signals, and the tender house. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for up 
to four separate 24-hour periods, if needed.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. October 3, 2013 to 9 
p.m. March 31, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0665] 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 Mrs. Jessica Shea, Bridge Management 
Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, telephone (757) 398-6422, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, 
call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
(202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bridge owner, the Virginia Department of 
Transportation (VDOT), is conducting maintenance on the Route 223 swing 
bridge over Milford Haven Inlet near Hudgins, Virginia. VDOT requested 
a deviation from the requirement to open on signal as required by 33 
CFR 117.5 in order to facilitate the rehabilitation work. The deviation 
period commences at 7 a.m. on October 3, 2013 and goes through 9 p.m. 
March 31, 2014. During the deviation period, the construction work may 
require four 24-hour periods where the bridge will be unable to open to 
navigation. Due to restrictions based on vehicular transportation 
needs, the 24-hour periods will not be consecutive.
    Under the regular operating schedule where the bridge opens on 
signal, the bridge opens up to ten times every day for commercial 
fishing vessels and Coast Guard vessels at Station Milford Haven. The 
vertical clearance of the swing bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position is 12 feet at mean high water. Vessels able to pass through 
the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time and are advised 
to proceed with caution. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies during any of the four 24-hour closure periods. The 
southern approach to Gywnn's Island by Sandy Point, VA can be used as 
an alternate route for vessels able to transit in water depths of two 
feet. The Coast Guard will use Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners 
at least seven days in advance of the changes in operating schedule 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 29, 2013.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2013-19208 Filed 8-7-13; 8:45 am]
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