[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34277-34278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12653]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0434]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
South Branch of the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth-Chesapeake, 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 Norfolk and Western railroad bridge 
(Norfolk Southern V6.8 Bridge) across the South Branch of the Elizabeth 
River, mile 3.6, at Portsmouth-Chesapeake, VA. The deviation is 
necessary to perform bridge maintenance and repairs. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on June 6, 2016, to 5 
p.m. on June 23, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0434] 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 Hal R. Pitts, Bridge Administration 
Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-6222, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Norfolk Southern Corporation, that owns 
and operates the Norfolk and Western railroad bridge (Norfolk Southern 
V6.8 Bridge), has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating regulations to install a new tie deck across the vertical 
lift span and under the mitre joints on the fixed approach spans. The 
bridge is a vertical lift draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in 
the closed position of 10 feet above mean high water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.997(b). 
Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-
to-navigation position from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 
5 p.m. from June 6, 2016 through June 9, 2016, June 13, 2016 through 
June 16, 2016, and June 20, 2016 through June 23, 2016. At all other 
times the bridge will operate per 33 CFR 117.997(b).
    The South Branch of the Elizabeth River is used by a variety of 
vessels including deep draft ocean-going vessels, U.S. government 
vessels, small commercial vessels, recreational vessels and tug and 
barge traffic. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with waterway users.
    There will be limited opportunity for vessels to transit through 
the bridge in the closed position during this temporary deviation. 
Vessels able to 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

[[Page 34278]]

emergencies 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. 2016-12653 Filed 5-27-16; 8:45 am]
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