[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42758-42762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16198]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2020-0117]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zones; Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, 
Hampton/Norfolk, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish safety zones for 
certain waters of the Hampton Flats, Willoughby Bay, a defined area 
between Phoebus Channel and the North Trestle Bridge, and 3 zones 
around the North Trestle Bridge including the North Island, the South 
Trestle Bridge including the South Island, and the north and south side 
of the Willoughby Bay Bridge. This action is necessary to provide for 
the safety of life on these navigable waters in support of the Hampton 
Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project that will take place from 2021 
through 2025. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and 
vessels from being in the safety zones unless authorized by the Captain 
of the Port Sector Virginia or a designated representative or under 
conditions specified in this rulemaking. We invite your comments on 
this proposed rulemaking.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before September 7, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2020-0117 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed

[[Page 42759]]

rulemaking, call or email LCDR Ashley Holm, Waterways Management 
Division Chief, Sector Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 757-668-
5580, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c7d4f54505945127912745350517c494f5f5b12515550"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0544766d69607c2b402b4d6a696845707666622b686c69">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
HRBT Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
HRCP Hampton Roads Connector Partners
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
NSRA Navigation Safety Risk Assessment
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
USCG United States Coast Guard
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    In April 2019, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 
awarded the design and construction of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel 
(HRBT) Expansion Project to the Hampton Roads Connector Partners 
(HRCP), as the Design-Build contactor. The HRBT Expansion Project is a 
major road transport infrastructure project that will create an 8-lane 
facility with 6 consistent use lanes along 9.9 miles of Interstate 64 
(I-64), from Settler's Landing Interchange in Hampton, Virginia, to the 
Interstate 564 (I-564) interchange in Norfolk, Virginia. To better 
understand the waterways impact from the project, the USCG and U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recommended the submission of a formal 
Navigation Safety Risk Assessment (NSRA) and Tunnel Construction Plan 
(TCP) prior to any permit or approval action by the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers.\1\ The NSRA identified three key objectives for 
consideration. The first included potential impacts to current and 
forecasted vessel traffic directly related to the bridge and tunnel 
construction including all on-water operations and staging areas. The 
second aimed to identify the best/least disruptive times to schedule 
movement of construction-related vessels. Finally, it identified the 
measures necessary for implementation in order to minimize potential 
hazards to navigation. On-water construction activities are expected to 
last approximately 5 years (2021-2025). In support of construction 
efforts, multiple surface craft will be necessary on-site, transiting 
to and from, as well as pre-staged, to ensure continued operations are 
maintained. The increase in waterborne traffic in the vicinity of 
construction areas and staging areas will introduce hazards to 
waterways users prior to and throughout the duration of the 
construction project. Specific hazards during the construction project 
include the proximity of dozens of construction-related vessels in the 
bridge area and fleeting areas, including material barges and 
construction equipment barges. In addition, construction of navigable 
spans by this equipment, as well as construction lighting and loud 
construction activity noises will make normal passage through the 
bridge areas unsafe except in areas specifically established as safe 
transit corridors by the project contractors, HRCP. The Sector Virginia 
Captain of the Port (COTP) has determined that these potential hazards 
associated with the HRBT Expansion Project will be a safety concern for 
anyone transiting in the vicinity of on-water construction activities 
related to the project. To discuss these safety concerns, 
representatives of the HRCP along with the COTP's staff conducted a 
series of outreach meetings. These meetings covered the HRBT Expansion 
Project and the notional safety zones that would mitigate the hazards 
discussed above. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those outreach meetings 
were conducted virtually on May 5th, 6th, and 7th. They were announced 
beforehand by a marine safety information bulletin \2\ issued by the 
COTP, which is distributed to over 1,000 subscribed maritime 
stakeholders by email, along with direct email notification to 
community organizations in the coastal areas of the cities of Norfolk 
and Hampton, Virginia, which are the two cities in the immediate area 
of the construction activity. Twenty-six individuals in addition to 
Coast Guard personnel participated in the meetings. The feedback 
received was consistent that the HRBT Expansion Project would create 
hazards to navigation for recreational vessels and that the suggested 
safety zones would help mitigate the risks. Additionally, community 
members expressed support that HRCP would have the ability to designate 
safe transit corridors through the South Trestle Bridge and Willoughby 
Bay Bridge to ensure that coastal property owners could still access 
the waters of Hampton Roads and southern Chesapeake Bay during the 
duration of the construction project. The text of the proposed 
regulation has been drafted to incorporate feedback from these 
sessions.
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    \1\ See Memorandum of Agreement between the United States Army 
Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard, dated June 2, 
2000 (available at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/2518).
    \2\ See USCG Sector Virginia Marine Safety Information Bulletin 
#20-113 (available at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/289cb80).
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    The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of waterways 
users on the navigable waters within the vicinity of the HRBT Expansion 
Project during the course of this multi-year construction project. The 
Coast Guard is proposing this rulemaking under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231).

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The COTP is proposing to establish multiple safety zones to promote 
safety to waterways users during the HRBT Expansion Project. The Coast 
Guard currently anticipates the need for 6 safety zones. The proposed 
safety zones will be used to accommodate pre-staged waterborne 
equipment and establish buffer zones around two marine staging areas, 
one safe harbor in case of anticipated severe weather, and the marine 
construction work sites expected in the vicinity of the North Trestle 
Bridge and North Island, South Trestle Bridge and South Island and the 
north and south side of the Willoughby Bay Bridge.
    The first safety zone (Zone 1: Hampton Flats Mooring Area) would be 
established in the Hampton Flats covering a mooring/staging area to 
accommodate 6 barges. Specifically, the first safety zone would cover 
all waters of the Hampton Flats, from surface to bottom, encompassed by 
a line connecting the following points beginning at 36[deg]59'40.41'' 
N, 76[deg]22'10.66'' W, thence to 37[deg]00'01.84'' N, 
76[deg]21'01.69'' W, thence to 36[deg]59'52.62'' N, 76[deg]20'57.23'' 
W, thence to 36[deg]59'31.19'' N, 76[deg]22'06.20'' W, and back to the 
beginning point. The Hampton Flats Mooring Area would provide critical 
staging capability necessary to the project. Once the HRCP begins the 
installation of mooring buoys within the mooring area, the public would 
be restricted entry or mooring within the safety zone. Mariners would 
be required to observe lighted marker buoys along the perimeter and at 
each of the corners marking the safety zone. In the event of inclement 
weather, this mooring/staging area would not be able to be used for 
safe refuge.
    The second safety zone (Zone 2: Phoebus Safe Harbor Area) would be 
established as a safe harbor area between Phoebus Channel and the North 
Trestle Bridge in the event of anticipated severe weather. 
Specifically, all waters west of the Phoebus Channel, from surface to 
bottom, encompassed by

[[Page 42760]]

a line connecting the following points beginning at 37[deg]00'34.26'' 
N, 76[deg]19'10.58'' W, thence to 37[deg]00'23.97'' N, 
76[deg]19'06.16'' W, thence to 37[deg]00'22.52'' N, 76[deg]19'11.41'' 
W, thence to 37[deg]00'32.81'' N, 76[deg]19'15.81'' W, and back to the 
beginning point. While this proposed rule is effective, no vessel or 
person would be permitted to anchor within the safety zone during 
announced enforcement periods without first obtaining permission from 
the COTP or designated representative. Such announcements would be made 
by Sector Virginia Broadcast Notice to Mariners and broadcasts on VHF-
FM radio. During enforcement periods, mariners would be required to 
observe lighted marker buoys along the perimeter and at each of the 
corners marking the safety zone.
    The third safety zone (Zone 3: Willoughby Safe Harbor/Mooring Area) 
would be established as a mooring area/safe harbor area in Willoughby 
Bay. Specifically, all waters of Willoughby Bay, from surface to 
bottom, encompassed by a line connecting the following five points 
beginning at 36[deg]57'48.68'' N, 76[deg]17'08.20'' W, thence to 
36[deg]57'44.84'' N, 76[deg]16'44.48'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'35.31'' 
N, 76[deg]16'42.80'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'28.78'' N, 
76[deg]16'51.75'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'33.17'' N, 76[deg]17'19.43'' 
W, and back to the beginning point. Once the HRCP begins the 
installation of mooring buoys within the mooring area, the public would 
be restricted entry or mooring within the safety zone unless permission 
from the COTP, HRCP, or their designated representative is granted on a 
case-by-case basis. Mariners would be required to observe lighted 
marker buoys along the perimeter and at each of the corners marking the 
safety zone.
    The fourth safety zone (Zone 4: North Trestle Bridge and North 
Island) would be established from surface to bottom for the safety of 
waterways users in the vicinity of ongoing construction activity on the 
east and west sides of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel's north bridge 
trestle and North Island. No vessel or person at any time would be 
permitted within the fixed safety zone, 300 feet from the east or west 
side of the North Trestle Bridge or the North Island. All mariners 
attempting to enter or depart the Hampton Creek Approach Channel or the 
Phoebus Channel in the vicinity of the North Island would be required 
to proceed with extreme caution and maintain a safe distance from 
construction equipment. Passing arrangements, if necessary, would be 
allowed to be requested from the on-site foreman via VHF Channel 13 and 
16 at any time.
    The fifth safety zone (Zone 5: South Trestle Bridge and South 
Island) would be established, from surface to bottom, 300 feet from the 
east or west side of the South Trestle Bridge or the South Island. This 
zone is needed for the safety of waterways users in the vicinity of 
ongoing construction activity on the east and west sides of the Hampton 
Roads Bridge-Tunnel's south bridge trestle and South Island. No vessel 
or person at any time would be permitted within the fixed safety zone 
without permission of the COTP or HRCP, or their designated 
representatives. HRCP may establish and post visual identification of 
safe transit corridors that vessels may use to freely proceed through 
the safety zone. All mariners attempting to enter or depart the 
Willoughby Bay Approach Channel in the vicinity of the South Island 
would be required to proceed with extreme caution and maintain a safe 
distance from construction equipment.
    The sixth safety zone (Zone 6: Willoughby Bay Bridge) would be 
established, from surface to bottom, within 50 feet of the north side 
and 300 feet of the south side of the Willoughby Bay Bridge. This 
safety zone is needed for the safety of waterways users in the vicinity 
of ongoing construction activity on the north and south sides of the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge. No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative, except that vessels are allowed to transit through 
marked safe transit corridors that HRCP shall establish for the purpose 
of providing navigation access for residents located north of the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge through the safety zone. All mariners attempting 
to enter or depart residences or commercial facilities north of the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge through the safe transit corridors or other areas 
of the safety zone when granted permission shall proceed with caution 
and maintain a safe distance from construction equipment. Mariners 
requesting to transit through other areas of the safety zone may do so 
at any time by contacting the on-site foreman via VHF Channel 13 and 
16.
    The full proposed regulatory text appears at the end of this 
document.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarized our 
analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive Orders, and 
we discussed First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This NPRM has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on a comprehensive 
marine traffic survey conducted for all current and forecasted vessel 
traffic in the vicinity of the HRBT Expansion Project. The survey was 
used to inform mitigation strategies, minimize disruptions to 
navigation, reduce risks of marine casualties and determine the size, 
location, duration and time-of-day of the recommended safety zones.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on any vessel owner or operator because the ability to transit 
safely around or through the impacted area will be ensured.
    The Coast Guard is aware that there are some small entities who 
operate commercial fishing vessels that do fish and set traps in some 
or all of the proposed safety zones. There is a possibility that for a 
very small number of entities the economic impact of this proposed rule 
caused by exclusion from the safety zone areas they typically fish 
could constitute a significant economic impact. However, the Coast 
Guard concludes that the number of small entities significantly 
affected would not be substantial.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental

[[Page 42761]]

jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule 
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment 
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to 
what degree this proposed rule would economically affect it.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the proposed rule 
affects your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction 
and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for 
compliance, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against 
small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or 
any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on 
the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. We analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule will not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing 
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and made a 
preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of 
actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves 6 safety 
zones that will be activated for the duration of the HRBT Expansion 
Project. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from further 
review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction 
Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A preliminary Record of Environmental 
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. 
For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of 
this preamble. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the 
discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed 
rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person 
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for 
alternate instructions.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and 
submissions in response to this document, see DHS's Correspondence 
System of Records notice (84 FR 48645, September 26, 2018).
    Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in the docket, 
and all public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's 
instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up 
for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a 
final rule is published.
    Prior to this notice, HRCP conducted several maritime community 
outreach meetings, with the most recent being held virtually on May 
6th, 7th, and 8th, 2020 as announced by public website postings and 
electronic mailing list distributions, and email. No further public 
meetings are anticipated at this time. Any public meetings held to 
discuss this rulemaking would be hosted in-person, virtually, or a 
combination thereof, and would be announced by website postings and 
emailed announcements. For information on facilities or services for 
individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance, call or 
email the person named in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, 
above.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is 
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.519 to read as follows:

[[Page 42762]]

Sec.  165.519  Safety Zones; Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion 
Project, Hampton/Norfolk, VA.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Virginia in the enforcement of the safety zone. The 
term also includes an employee or contractor of Hampton Roads Connector 
Partners (HRCP) for the sole purposes of designating and establishing 
safe transit corridors, to permit passage into or through these safety 
zones, or to notify vessels and individuals that they have entered a 
safety zone and are required to leave.
    (b) Locations and zone-specific requirements.
    (1) Zone 1, Hampton Flats Mooring Area.
    (i) Location: All waters of the Hampton Flats, from surface to 
bottom, encompassed by a line connecting the following points beginning 
at 36[deg]59'40.41'' N, 76[deg]22'10.66'' W, thence to 
37[deg]00'01.84'' N, 76[deg]21'01.69'' W, thence to 36[deg]59'52.62'' 
N, 76[deg]20'57.23'' W, thence to 36[deg]59'31.19'' N, 
76[deg]22'06.20'' W, and back to the beginning point.
    (ii) Requirements: No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative. Mariners must observe lighted marker buoys along the 
perimeter and at each of the corners marking the safety zone.
    (2) Zone 2, Phoebus Safe Harbor Area.
    (i) Location: All waters west of the Phoebus Channel, from surface 
to bottom, encompassed by a line connecting the following points 
beginning at 37[deg]00'34.26'' N, 76[deg]19'10.58'' W, thence to 
37[deg]00'23.97'' N, 76[deg]19'06.16'' W, thence to 37[deg]00'22.52'' 
N, 76[deg]19'11.41'' W, thence to 37[deg]00'32.81'' N, 
76[deg]19'15.81'' W, and back to the beginning point.
    (ii) Requirements: No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone during announced enforcement periods without permission of 
the COTP, HRCP, or designated representative. Such enforcement periods 
will be announced by Sector Virginia Broadcast Notice to Mariners and 
broadcasts on VHF-FM radio. During enforcement periods, mariners shall 
observe lighted marker buoys along the perimeter and at each of the 
corners marking the safety zone.
    (3) Zone 3, Willoughby Bay Mooring Area.
    (i) Location: All waters of Willoughby Bay, from surface to bottom, 
in the area encompassed by a line connecting the following points 
beginning at 36[deg]57'48.68'' N, 76[deg]17'08.20'' W, thence to 
36[deg]57'44.84'' N, 76[deg]16'44.48'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'35.31'' 
N, 76[deg]16'42.80'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'28.78'' N, 
76[deg]16'51.75'' W, thence to 36[deg]57'33.17'' N, 76[deg]17'19.43'' 
W, and back to the beginning point.
    (ii) Requirements: No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative. Mariners must observe lighted marker buoys along the 
perimeter and at each of the corners marking the safety zone.
    (4) Zone 4, North Highway Bridge Trestle and North Island.
    (i) Location: All waters, from surface to bottom, located within 
300 feet of the east or west side of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel's 
north highway bridge trestle, including North Island, to the shore of 
the City of Hampton. No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative.
    (ii) Requirements: All mariners attempting to enter or depart the 
Hampton Creek Approach Channel or the Phoebus Channel in the vicinity 
of the North Island must proceed with extreme caution and maintain a 
safe distance from construction equipment.
    (5) Zone 5, South Highway Bridge Trestle and South Island.
    (i) Location: All waters, from surface to bottom, located within 
300 feet from the east or west side of the Hampton Roads Bridge-
Tunnel's south highway bridge trestle, including South Island, to the 
shore of the City of Norfolk.
    (ii) Requirements: No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative. HRCP may establish and post visual identification of 
safe transit corridors that vessels may use to freely proceed through 
the safety zone. All mariners attempting to enter or depart the 
Willoughby Bay Approach Channel in the vicinity of the South Island 
shall proceed with extreme caution and maintain a safe distance from 
construction equipment.
    (6) Zone 6, Willoughby Bay Bridge.
    (i) Location: All waters, from surface to bottom, located along the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge highway trestle and extending 50 feet to the 
north side of the bridge and 300 feet to the south side of the bridge 
along the length of the highway trestle, from shore to shore within the 
City of Norfolk.
    (ii) Requirements: No vessel or person may enter or remain in the 
safety zone without permission of the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative, except that vessels are allowed to transit through 
marked safe transit corridors that HRCP shall establish for the purpose 
of providing navigation access for residents located north of the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge through the safety zone. All mariners attempting 
to enter or depart residences or commercial facilities north of the 
Willoughby Bay Bridge through the safe transit corridors or other areas 
of the safety zone when granted permission shall proceed with caution 
and maintain a safe distance from construction equipment.
    (c) General requirements. (1) Under the general safety zone 
regulations in subpart C of this part, no vessel or person may enter or 
remain in any safety zone described in paragraph (b) of this section 
unless authorized by the COTP, HRCP, or designated representative. If a 
vessel or person is notified by the COTP, HRCP, or designated 
representative that they have entered one of these safety zones without 
permission, they are required to immediately leave in a safe manner 
following the directions given.
    (2) Mariners requesting to transit any of these safety zones must 
first contact the HRCP designated representative, the on-site foreman, 
via VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. If permission is granted, mariners must 
proceed at their own risk and strictly observe any and all instructions 
provided by the COTP, HRCP, or designated representative to the mariner 
regarding the conditions of entry to and exit from any location within 
the fixed safety zones.
    (d) Enforcement. The Sector Virginia COTP may enforce this 
regulation and may be assisted by any Federal, state, county, or 
municipal law enforcement agency.

    Dated: July 15, 2021.
Samson C. Stevens,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Virginia.
[FR Doc. 2021-16198 Filed 8-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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