[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 128 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31253-31254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14164]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0524]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Mill River, New Haven, CT

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 Chapel Street Bridge across the 
Mill River, mile 0.4 at New Haven, Connecticut. This deviation is 
necessary to complete bridge deck replacement as well as various 
repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to open for the passage of 
vessels upon two hours of advance notice as well as a ten day closure 
of the draw to all vessel traffic.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on July 10, 2017 
through 11:59 p.m. on September 9, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0524, 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 James M. Moore, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
212-514-4334, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The City of New Haven, the owner of the 
bridge, requested a temporary deviation from the normal operating 
schedule to facilitate rehabilitation of the bridge, specifically 
replacement of the bridge deck. The Chapel Street Bridge, across

[[Page 31254]]

the Mill River, mile 0.4 at New Haven, Connecticut offers mariners a 
vertical clearance of 7.9 feet at mean high water and 14 feet at mean 
low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating 
regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.213(d).
    Under this temporary deviation the Chapel Street Bridge will 
operate as follows: From 12:01 a.m. July 10, 2017 until 11:59 p.m. July 
26, 2017, the Chapel Street Bridge will open for the passage of vessels 
requiring an opening provided two hours of advance notice is furnished 
to the owner of the bridge; except that, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 
and 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays, the draw need not open for the passage of vessel traffic. The 
bridge will remain closed to all vessels requiring an opening from 
12:01 a.m. July 27, 2017 until 11:59 p.m. August 7, 2017 to facilitate 
the pouring/curing of new bridge deck material. From 12:01 a.m. August 
8, 2017 until 11:59 p.m. September 9, 2017 the bridge will open for the 
passage of vessels requiring an opening provided two hours of advance 
notice is furnished to the owner of the bridge; except that from 7:30 
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays, the draw need not open for the passage of 
vessel traffic.
    The bridge routinely opens for commercial vessels. Nevertheless, 
outreach with mariners has indicated the requirement for two hours of 
advance notice will not impede routine waterway operations. Mariners 
also offered no objection to a ten day closure of the draw in order to 
complete the necessary deck replacement. The concrete pour and curing 
process can be accomplished in four days, but a ten day closure period 
has been requested in order to take inclement weather into account. The 
bridge will resume operations as soon as the curing process has been 
completed.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so 
at all times. The bridge will be not able to open for emergencies. 
There is no 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 
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 30, 2017.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-14164 Filed 7-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P