[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 125 (Friday, June 30, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29737-29738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13753]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0365]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lewis Creek Channel, 
Chincoteague, 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 SR 175 Bridge that carries the SR 
175 across the Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at Chincoteague, VA. The 
deviation is necessary to facilitate the Annual Pony Run. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Wednesday July 26, 
2017, through 5 p.m. on Thursday July 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0365] 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. Michael Thorogood, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6557, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, 
owner and operator of the SR 175 Bridge that carries the SR 175 Bridge 
across the Lewis Creek Channel, mile 0.0, at Chincoteague, VA, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
to ensure the safety of the increased volumes of spectators that will 
be attending Annual Pony Run on Wednesday July 26, 2017, and Thursday 
July 27, 2017. This bridge is a bascule span drawbridge with a vertical 
clearance of 15 feet above mean high water in the closed position and 
unlimited vertical clearance in the open position. The current 
operating regulation is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. Under this temporary 
deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday July 26, 2017 and Thursday 
July 27, 2017.

[[Page 29738]]

    The Lewis Creek Channel 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.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies and 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 waterway through our Local 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: June 26, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-13753 Filed 6-29-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P