[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 203 (Thursday, October 20, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 72526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25434]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0783]


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 (MD 213) Bridge across the 
Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. This modified deviation 
is necessary to perform bridge maintenance. This modified deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This modified deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on October 30, 
2016 through 6 a.m. on November 20, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0783] 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 August 25, 2016, the Coast Guard 
published a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation 
Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD'' in the Federal Register 
(81 FR 58846). Under that temporary deviation, the bridge would remain 
in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 p.m. on September 6, 2016 
to 6 a.m. on October 30, 2016. The bridge would open for vessels on 
signal during the scheduled closure periods, if at least 24 hours 
notice were given.
    The Maryland State Highway Administration, who owns and operates 
the S213 (MD 213) Bridge, has requested a modified temporary deviation 
from the currently published deviation to extend the time needed to 
complete the bridge painting project.
    Under this modified temporary deviation, the bridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on October 
30, 2016 through 6 a.m. on November 20, 2016. The bridge is a double 
bascule draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed position 
of 12 feet above mean high water.
    The Chester River is used by recreational vessels. The Coast Guard 
has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic on the 
waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    For the duration of the bridge maintenance, vessels will not be 
allowed to pass through the bridge due to placement of barges and 
equipment in the main navigation span. The bridge will open for vessels 
on signal during the scheduled closure period, if at least 24 hours 
notice is given. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies 
and there is no immediate alternative 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: October 17, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-25434 Filed 10-19-16; 8:45 am]
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