Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulation; modification.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the S213 (MD213) Bridge across the Chester River, mile 26.8, at Chestertown, MD. This modified deviation is necessary to perform bridge maintenance and repairs. This modified deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES:

This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from May 31, 2016 through 6 p.m. on July 31 2016. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from May 24, 2016 at 2 p.m., until May 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0112] 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 Mr. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On February 25, 2016, the Coast Guard published a temporary deviation entitled “Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chester River, Chestertown, MD” in the Federal Register (81 FR 9338). Under that temporary deviation, the bridge would remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on February 22, 2016 to 6 p.m. on June 1, 2016. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, that owns and operates the S213 (MD213) Bridge, has requested an extension of time for the temporary deviation from the current operating regulations to complete a bridge stringer replacement project, due to delays related to inclement weather. The bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 12 feet above mean high water.

The current operating schedule is open on signal if at least six hours notice is given as set out in 33 CFR 117.551. Under this modified temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on February 22, 2016 to 6 p.m. on July 31, 2016.

The Chester River is used by a variety of vessels including small U.S. government and public vessels, small commercial vessels, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel traffic on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.

During the closure times there will be limited opportunity for vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed position to do so. Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so, after receiving confirmation from the bridge tender that it is safe to transit through the bridge. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies if at least six hours notice is given 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 transit 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.