[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34277]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12652]



[[Page 34277]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0112]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulation; 
modification.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the S213 (MD213) Bridge across the 
Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. This modified deviation 
is necessary to perform bridge maintenance and repairs. This modified 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position.

DATES: This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from 
May 31, 2016 through 6 p.m. on July 31 2016. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from May 24, 2016 at 2 p.m., 
until May 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0112] 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 modified 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6222, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 25, 2016, the Coast Guard 
published a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation 
Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD'' in the Federal Register 
(81 FR 9338). Under that temporary deviation, the bridge would remain 
in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on February 22, 2016 
to 6 p.m. on June 1, 2016. The Maryland Department of Transportation 
State Highway Administration, that owns and operates the S213 (MD213) 
Bridge, has requested an extension of time for the temporary deviation 
from the current operating regulations to complete a bridge stringer 
replacement project, due to delays related to inclement weather. The 
bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the 
closed position of 12 feet above mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is open on signal if at least six 
hours notice is given as set out in 33 CFR 117.551. Under this modified 
temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 6 a.m. on February 22, 2016 to 6 p.m. on July 31, 2016.
    The Chester River is used by a variety of vessels including small 
U.S. government and public vessels, small commercial vessels, and 
recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully considered the 
nature and volume of vessel traffic on the waterway in publishing this 
temporary deviation.
    During the closure times there will be limited opportunity for 
vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed position 
to do so. Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed 
position may do so, after receiving confirmation from the bridge tender 
that it is safe to transit through the bridge. The bridge will be able 
to open for emergencies if at least six hours notice is given and there 
is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. 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 transit 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: May 24, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-12652 Filed 5-27-16; 8:45 am]
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