[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 182 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22434]



[[Page 56268]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0765]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milford Haven Inlet, Hudgins, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the State Route 223 Bridge (Gwynn's 
Island) across the Milford Haven Inlet, mile 0.1, at Hudgins, VA. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position to facilitate rehabilitation efforts. The bridge will open to 
navigation for a period not to exceed two hours once every seven days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m., on October 1, 2014 to 7 
a.m., on November 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0765] 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 Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
(202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bridge owner, the Virginia Department of 
Transportation (VDOT), is conducting maintenance on the State Route 223 
swing bridge over Milford Haven Inlet near Hudgins, VA. VDOT requested 
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 1, 2014 and goes through 7 a.m., 
on November 1, 2014. During the deviation period, the construction work 
requires 24-hour periods where the bridge will be unable to open to 
navigation. However, once a week, the bridge will be able to open to 
navigation for a period not to exceed two hours. Due to the nature of 
the work and the time necessary to dismantle the equipment, a 
definitive schedule of openings could not be created. The date and time 
of the weekly opening will be announced through a Coast Guard Broadcast 
Notice to Mariners at least 48 hours before the opening. The opening 
duration and frequency were established through coordination meetings 
with the local waterway users during August 2014. 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. During this temporary deviation, the southern approach to 
Gwynn'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 bridge will 
not be able to open for emergencies during the closure periods.
    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: September 3, 2014.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2014-22434 Filed 9-18-14; 8:45 am]
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