[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 206 (Thursday, October 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 49510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23320]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0936]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Snake Creek; Islamorada, FL

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 Snake Creek Bridge across Snake 
Creek, at Islamorada, FL. The deviation is necessary to alleviate the 
increased traffic congestion on US 1 Highway resulting from relief 
efforts after the passing of Hurricane Irma. This deviation allows the 
bridge to open once every two hours verses the current operating 
regulation. Local officials are requesting this action to assist in 
reducing the long line of traffic backups caused by the bridge 
openings.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from October 
26, 2017, through 7 a.m. on November 1, 2017. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 7 a.m. on September 29, 
2017, until October 26, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0936 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 LT Scott Ledee, Chief Waterways 
Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West, Coast Guard; 
telephone (305) 292-8768, email; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Village of Islamorada Florida with 
concurrence of Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge owner, 
has requested a temporary change in the operating regulation for the 
Snake Creek Bridge on US Highway 1 crossing Snake Creek in Islamorada, 
Florida. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 27 feet in the closed 
position. With the passing of Hurricane Irma, the lower Keys have been 
devastated. With this increased time between openings, this deviation 
will allow a more uninterrupted flow of vehicle traffic carrying 
restorative supplies into the lower Keys without severely hindering 
vessel traffic. The Snake Creek Drawbridge currently operates under 33 
CFR 117.331.
    The deviation period is from 7 a.m. on September 29, 2017 to 7 a.m. 
on November 1, 2017. During this period, the bridge will open on 
signal, except that from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the draw need only open every 
two hours, on the hour.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies and 
there is no immediate 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: October 2, 2017.
Barry L. Dragon,
Director, Bridge Branch, Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-23320 Filed 10-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P