[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 210 (Wednesday, November 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23745]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0967]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
Alligator River, Columbia, NC

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 US 64/Alligator River Bridge which 
carries US 64 over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), Alligator 
River, mile 84.2, near Columbia, NC. The deviation is necessary to 
facilitate bridge maintenance. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on November 6, 2017, 
through 7 p.m. on November 17, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0967 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 North Carolina Department of 
Transportation, owner and operator of the US 64/Alligator River Bridge 
that carries US 64 over the AICW, Alligator River, mile 84.2, at near 
Columbia, NC, has requested a temporary deviation from the current 
operating schedule to facilitate application of an epoxy overlay for 
the drawbridge's entire bridge deck. The bridge has a vertical 
clearance of 14 feet above mean high water in the closed position and 
unlimited feet above mean high water in the open position.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will be in the closed-to-
navigation position from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on Monday, November 6, 2017, 
through Saturday, November 11, 2017, and Monday, November 13, 2017, 
through Friday, November 17, 2017.
    The AICW, Alligator River is used by a variety of vessels 
including, small commercial vessels, tug and barge traffic, and 
recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the 
restrictions with waterway users 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 open on signal during 
closure period, if at least 2 hours notice is given. 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 Notice and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the 
change in operating schedule for the bridge so 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 27, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-23745 Filed 10-31-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P