[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 15, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04970]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0112]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Norfolk, 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 Berkley (U.S. 460/S.R. 337) Bridge 
across the Elizabeth River, mile 0.4, at Norfolk, VA. This deviation is 
necessary to facilitate testing of the emergency drive motors. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on April 9, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0112] 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Martin Bridges, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6422, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
who owns and operates the Berkley (U.S. 460/S.R. 337) Bridge across the 
Elizabeth River, mile 0.4, at Norfolk, VA, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 33 CFR 
117.1007(b), to facilitate testing of the emergency drive motor on both 
spans of the bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on April 9, 2017. 
The drawbridge has two spans, each with double-leaf bascule draws, and 
both spans have a vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation 
position of 48 feet above mean high water.
    The Berkley Bridge is used by recreational vessels, tug and barge 
traffic, fishing vessels, and small commercial vessels. The Coast Guard 
has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic on the 
waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridges in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. The bridge spans will not be able to open in case of 
an emergency and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to 
pass. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway 
through our Local Notice 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: March 8, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-04970 Filed 3-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P