[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 80266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32446]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-1057]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Annisquam River and Blynman 
Canal, Gloucester, MA

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 Blynman (SR127) Bridge across the 
Annisquam River and Blynman Canal at mile 0.0 at Gloucester, MA. The 
deviation is necessary due to the inhabitability of the operator's 
house associated with a settling of the adjacent seawall resulting in a 
partial collapse of the house rendering the structure unsafe for 
occupancy. This deviation allows the bridge to be opened with a two 
hour advanced notice during the hours of 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. from 
January 1, 2016 through April 30, 2016.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 p.m. on January 1, 2016 
through 4 a.m. April 30, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-USCG-2015-1057] 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Scott White, First Coast Guard 
District Bridge Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 617-223-8364, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Blynman (SR 127) Bridge across the 
Annisquam River and Blynman Canal, mile 0.0, at Gloucester, 
Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 8.2 
feet at mean high water and 16 feet at mean low water. The existing 
bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 117.586.
    The owner of the bridge, Massachusetts Department of 
Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the normal 
operating schedule to open on signal after at least a two hour advance 
notice is provided between the hours of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for the period 
of January 1, 2016 through April 30, 2016.
    The waterways are transited primarily by seasonal recreation 
vessels of various sizes. Historical records indicate infrequent 
requests for openings occur during this timeframe. Vessels able to pass 
through the bridge in the closed position may do so at anytime. The 
bridge will not be able to open for emergencies however the northern 
entrance to the Annisquam River can be used as an alternate route for 
vessels unable to pass through the bridge in closed positions. The 
Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators 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: December 21, 2015.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-32446 Filed 12-23-15; 8:45 am]
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