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###### Department of Homeland Security

###### Coast Guard

          - 33 CFR Part 117
          - [Docket No. USCG-2017-0967]

# AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

# ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

# SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the US 64/Alligator River Bridge which carries US 64 over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), Alligator River, mile 84.2, near Columbia, NC. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge maintenance. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

# DATES:

The deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on November 6, 2017, through 7 p.m. on November 17, 2017.

# ADDRESSES:

                        The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0967 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 Mr. Michael Thorogood, Bridge Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-6557, email                         *Michael.R.Thorogood@uscg.mil.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 The North Carolina Department of Transportation, owner and operator of the US 64/Alligator River Bridge that carries US 64 over the AICW, Alligator River, mile 84.2, at near Columbia, NC, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to facilitate application of an epoxy overlay for the drawbridge's entire bridge deck. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 14 feet above mean high water in the closed position and unlimited feet above mean high water in the open position.

The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on Monday, November 6, 2017, through Saturday, November 11, 2017, and Monday, November 13, 2017, through Friday, November 17, 2017.

The AICW, Alligator River is used by a variety of vessels including, small commercial vessels, tug and barge traffic, and recreational vessels. The Coast Guard has carefully coordinated the restrictions with waterway users in publishing this temporary deviation.

Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position may do so at any time. The bridge will open on signal during closure period, if at least 2 hours notice is given. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternative route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local Notice and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so 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: October 27, 2017.

Hal R. Pitts,

Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 2017-23745 Filed 10-31-17; 8:45 am]

 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P