[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 189 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66807-66808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23508]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0668]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; James River, Hopewell, VA

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 SR 156/Benjamin Harrison Memorial 
Bridge across the James River, mile 65.0, at Hopewell, VA. This 
modified deviation is necessary to extend the deviation timeframe 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 
September 29, 2016 through 6 a.m. on October 28, 2016. For the purposes 
of enforcement, actual notice will be used from September 22, 2016, 
8:45 a.m., until September 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0668] 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. Michael R. Thorogood, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6557, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 25, 2016, the Coast Guard published 
a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; James 
River, Hopewell, VA'' in the Federal Register (81 FR 49898). Under that 
temporary deviation, the bridge would be maintained in the closed-to-
navigation position from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m.; Monday through 
Thursday; July

[[Page 66808]]

25, 2016, through July 29, 2016; August 1, 2016, through August 5, 
2016; September 5, 2016, through September 9, 2016; September 12, 2016, 
through September 16, 2016; and alternative dates from September 19, 
2016, through September 23, 2016; and September 26, 2016, through 
September 30, 2016. The bridge would open for vessels on signal during 
scheduled closure periods, if at least 24 hours notice was given.
    The Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and operates 
the SR 156/Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge, has requested a modified 
temporary deviation from the currently published deviation to extend 
the deviation timeframe to facilitate replacement of the service 
elevators for both lift towers, install new electrical wiring, bird 
screens, and structural steel of the bridge. The current operating 
schedule is open on signal as set out in 33 CFR 117.5. This modified 
temporary deviation serves to replace the previous temporary deviation 
in the Federal Register (81 FR 49898), immediately upon its publication 
into the Federal Register.
    Under this modified temporary deviation, the bridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 p.m. through 6 
a.m.; Monday through Friday; October 3, 2016, through October 7, 2016; 
October 10, 2016, through October 14, 2016; October 17, 2016, through 
October 21, 2016; and October 24, 2016, through October 28, 2016. The 
bridge will open for vessels on signal during scheduled closure 
periods, if at least 10 hours notice is given. The bridge is a vertical 
lift drawbridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 
50 feet above mean high water.
    The James River is used by a variety of vessels including deep-
draft vessels, tug and barge traffic, and recreational vessels. The 
Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with waterway 
users in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at anytime. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies during scheduled closure periods, if at least 30 minutes 
notice is given. There is no immediate alternative route for vessels 
unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. 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: September 22, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-23508 Filed 9-28-16; 8:45 am]
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