[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 212 (Friday, November 3, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24028]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0979]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Kent Island Narrows, 
Grasonville, MD

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 U.S. Route 50/301 (Kent Narrows) 
Bridge across the Kent Island Narrows, mile 1.0, at Grasonville, MD. 
The deviation is necessary to facilitate a routine inspection. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on November 7, 2017, to 
3 p.m. on November 9, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation [USCG-2017-0979] 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. Mickey Sanders, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard; telephone (757) 398-
6587, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Maryland State Highway Administration, 
owner and operator of the U.S. Route 50/301 (Kent Narrows) Bridge 
across the Kent Island Narrows, mile 1.0, at Grasonville, MD, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to 
accommodate a routine inspection. The bridge has a vertical clearance 
of 18 feet above mean high water (MHW) in the closed position.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.561. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will require 30 minutes advanced 
notice to open from 9 a.m. on November 7, 2017, to 3 p.m. on November 
9, 2017.
    The Kent Island Narrows is used by a variety of vessels including 
small commercial vessels, recreational vessels and tug and barge 
traffic. 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 position may 
do so if at least 15 minutes notice is given. The bridge will be able 
to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for 
vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The 
Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our 
Local and Broadcast Notice 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 this temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of this effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: October 31, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-24028 Filed 11-2-17; 8:45 am]
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