[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18637]



[[Page 43984]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0751]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sloop Channel, Hempstead, 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 Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge 
across Sloop Channel, mile 12.8, at Hempstead, NY. The deviation is 
necessary to complete structural, mechanical, and electrical 
rehabilitations on the bridge. This temporary deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for two short 
periods, and allows the bridge to open only one bascule span at a time 
over various periods to facilitate bridge repairs.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on September 28, 2018 to 
7 a.m. on December 13, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0751 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 Stephanie E. Lopez, Bridge 
Management Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; 
telephone 212-514-4335, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The owner of the bridge, the New York State 
Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation to 
facilitate the various structural, mechanical, and electrical 
rehabilitations. The spanlock platforms and machinery for both the 
Northbound and Southbound Bridge will be replaced in their entirety. 
Trunnion tower and rack gear supports repairs will be performed, and 
the bridge instrumentation will be replaced. The Meadowbrook State 
Parkway Bridge across the Sloop Channel, mile 12.8, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 22 feet at mean high water and 25 
feet at mean low water. The existing bridge operating regulations are 
found at 33 CFR 117.799(h).
    This temporary deviation allows the Meadowbrook State Parkway 
Bridge to open only one bascule span at a time between 7 a.m. and 3 
p.m., providing a minimum of 43 feet of available horizontal clearance, 
on the following days: September 28, 2018; October 1-5, 2018; November 
26-30, 2018; and December 3, 2018.
    Additionally, the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge shall remain in 
the closed position from 7 a.m. on October 15, 2018 through 7 a.m. on 
October 17, 2018 and from 7 a.m. on December 11, 2018 to 7 a.m. 
December 13, 2018.
    The waterway is transited by commercial and recreational traffic. 
The Coast Guard notified known waterway users and there were no 
objections to this temporary deviation. Vessels able to pass under the 
bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will 
not 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: August 23, 2018.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-18637 Filed 8-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P