[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35550-35551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16026]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0660]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Jamaica Bay, Queens, NY

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 Marine Parkway (Gil Hodges 
Memorial) bridge across Jamaica Bay (Rockaway Inlet), mile 3.0, at 
Queens, NY. The deviation is necessary to complete rehabilitation work 
on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge owner to require two 
hours advance notice before opening the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on July 30, 2018, to 4 
p.m. on November 30, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0660 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 Judy Leung-Yee, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
212-514-4336, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The owner of the bridge, Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels, requested a temporary 
deviation from the normal operating schedule in order to complete 
rehabilitation work associated with the replacement of lift span 
machinery. The Marine Parkway (Gil Hodges Memorial) Bridge across 
Jamaica Bay (Rockaway Inlet), mile 3.0 at Queens, New York has a 
vertical clearance of 55 feet at mean high water and 59 feet at mean 
low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating 
regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.795(a).
    The temporary deviation will allow the owner of the Marine Parkway 
(Gil Hodges Memorial) bridge to require vessels seeking an opening of 
the draw to provide a minimum of two hours of advance notice on 
weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
from July 30, 2018 to November 30, 2018 by submitting a request for the 
opening of the draw. Requiring a minimum of two hours of advance notice 
before opening the draw allows for sufficient time to alert all 
affected personnel engaged in bridge rehabilitation work to vacate the 
lift span and all machinery areas along, with removing and/or securing 
materials and equipment prior to lifting the bridge.
    The waterway is transited by seasonal recreational traffic as well 
as commercial vessels, largely tug and barge combinations. The 55 foot 
vertical clearance while the bridge is in the closed position offers 
the bulk of commercial traffic sufficient room to transit under the 
bridge in the closed position. Vessels that can pass under the bridge 
without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge will be able to 
open for emergencies. There is no immediate alternate route for vessels 
unable to pass through the bridge when in the closed position.
    The Coast Guard will inform users of the waterway 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 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 the effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.


[[Page 35551]]


    Dated: July 23, 2018.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-16026 Filed 7-26-18; 8:45 am]
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