[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 6796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03172]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-1031]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Passaic River, Newark, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulation; 
modification.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Routes 1 & 9 (Lincoln Highway) 
Bridge across the Passaic River, mile 1.8, at Newark, New Jersey. This 
modified deviation extends the period the bridge may remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position and is necessary to facilitate structural 
steel repairs at the lift span.

DATES: This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from 
February 15, 2018 through 11:59 p.m. March 30, 2018. For purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 12:01 a.m. February 3, 
2018, until February 15, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this modified deviation, USCG-2017-1031, 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 modified 
temporary deviation, call or email Judy K. Leung-Yee, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
212-514-4336, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 21, 2017, the Coast Guard 
published a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation 
Regulation; Passaic River, Newark, NJ'' in the Federal Register (82 FR 
55322). That deviation allowed the bridge to be in closed-to-navigation 
position from November 21, 2017 to January 5, 2018. On December 28, 
2017, the Coast Guard published a modified temporary deviation entitled 
``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Passaic River, Newark, NJ'' in the 
Federal Register (82 FR 61452). That modified temporary deviation 
extended the period the bridge may remain in the closed position from 
January 6, 2018 to February 2, 2018.
    The owner of the bridge, the New Jersey Department of 
Transportation, requests a second modification to extend the bridge 
closure from 12:01 a.m. February 3, 2018 to 11:59 p.m. March 30, 2018. 
The extension is necessary to facilitate structural steel repairs at 
the lift span that have been delayed by inclement weather.
    The Routes 1 & 9 Bridge across the Passaic River, mile 1.8, at 
Newark, New Jersey is a vertical lift bridge with a vertical clearance 
of 40 feet at mean high water and 45 feet at mean low water in the 
closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulations are 
listed at 33 CFR 117.739(b).
    The waterway users are seasonal recreational vessels and commercial 
vessels of various sizes. Coordination with waterway users indicated no 
objection to extending the closure of the draw. Vessels that can pass 
under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge 
will not be able to open for emergencies. There is no alternate route 
for vessels to pass.
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterways through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridge so vessel operators may 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: February 1, 2018.
Christopher J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-03172 Filed 2-14-18; 8:45 am]
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