Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Harlem River, NY

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations for the Third Avenue Bridge, at mile 1.9, across the Harlem River in New York City. This deviation from the regulations allows the bridge owner to require at least a 48 hour advance notice for openings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, from August 4, 2000 through September 17, 2000. This action is necessary to facilitate manual operation of the bridge and electrical repairs at the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective August 4, 2000, through September 17, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joe Arca, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Third Avenue Bridge, at mile 1.9, across the Harlem River has a vertical clearance of 25 feet at mean high water, and 30 feet at mean low water in the closed position.

The existing operating regulations in 33 CFR 117.789(a) require the bridge to open on signal from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

The bridge owner, the New York City Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operating regulations because the electrical operating system for the Third Avenue Bridge has failed and the bridge can be opened only by manual operation. The bridge owner needs at least a 48 hour advance notice to facilitate the mobilization of equipment and personnel to open the bridge manually during the time period the electrical operating system is being repaired.

This deviation to the operating regulations allows the owner of the Third Avenue Bridge to require at least a 48 hour advance notice for openings, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 4, 2000 through September 17, 2000. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.