[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 137 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 41644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16842]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0570]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Norwalk River, Norwalk, CT

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 Metro North WALK Bridge across the 
Norwalk River, mile 0.1, at Norwalk, Connecticut. The deviation is 
necessary to facilitate necessary maintenance and repairs to the 
electrical and mechanical operating systems at the bridge. This 
temporary deviation authorizes the bridge to open after an eight-hour 
advance notice is given under a revised operating schedule.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from July 17, 
2014 through December 30, 2014. For the purposes of enforcement, actual 
notice will be used on July 4, 2014, until July 17, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0570] 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. Christopher J. Bisignano, 
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District, 
[email protected] or (212) 668-7021. If you have 
questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, 
Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Metro North WALK Bridge, mile 0.1, 
across the Norwalk River at Norwalk, Connecticut, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 16 feet at mean high water and 23 
feet at mean low water. The drawbridge operation regulations are listed 
at 33 CFR 117.217(b).
    The waterway users are seasonal recreational vessels and commercial 
vessels of various sizes.
    The owner of the bridge, Connecticut Department of Transportation, 
requested a temporary deviation from the regulations from July 4, 2014 
through December 30, 2014, to allow the bridge to open after an eight-
hour advance notice is given to help facilitate necessary electrical 
and mechanical maintenance and repairs at the bridge.
    The Coast Guard will work with Connecticut Department of 
Transportation and Metro North to develop a long term repair schedule 
during this initial temporary deviation time period.
    Under this temporary deviation, in effect from July 4, 2014 through 
December 30, 2014, the Metro North WALK Bridge at mile 0.1, across the 
Norwalk River, at Norwalk, Connecticut shall open after at least an 
eight-hour advance notice is given as follows:
    (1) From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a maximum of one opening each day 
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
    (2) From 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., a maximum of two openings each night, 
starting on Monday at 9 p.m. through Friday at 3 a.m. including 
holidays.
    (3) From 9 p.m. Fridays to 3 a.m. Mondays, including holidays.
    (4) For emergencies only at all other times.
    (5) A delay of up to 20 minutes may be expected if a train is 
approaching so closely that it may not be safely stopped.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. There are no alternate routes. The bridge can open 
in the event of an emergency situation.
    Vessel operators will be notified of these changes to the bridge 
operating schedule through a Local Notice to Mariners publication and a 
Safety Marine Information Broadcast (SMIB) issued by the Coast Guard so 
that vessels 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: July 1, 2014.
Linda L. Fagan,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2014-16842 Filed 7-16-14; 8:45 am]
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