Document ID: USCG-2017-0147-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Yellow Mill Channel, Bridgeport, CT
Posted Date: 2017-04-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 65 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06818]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0147]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Yellow Mill Channel, Bridgeport, 
CT

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 Stratford Avenue Bridge across 
Yellow Mill Channel, mile 0.3 at Bridgeport, Connecticut. This 
deviation is necessary to complete electrical repairs, install new 
rebar and concrete, repair/replace structural steel, and retrofit 
navigation lighting. This deviation allows the bridge to remain fully 
closed for two weeks followed by a two-week period during which the 
bridge will open for vessels upon 72 hours of advance notice.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2017 to 
12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0147, 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 James M. Moore, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
212-514-4334, email james.m.moore2@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Connecticut Department of 
Transportation, the owner of the bridge, requested a temporary 
deviation to facilitate rehabilitation of the bridge and bascule 
leaves. The Stratford Avenue Bridge, across Yellow Mill Channel, mile 
0.3 at Bridgeport, Connecticut is a double-leaf bascule bridge offering 
mariners a vertical clearance of 11 feet at mean high water and 17 feet 
at mean low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge 
operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.225.
    The bulk of traffic utilizing the waterway is recreational in 
nature, requiring only occasional openings of the bridge in order to 
proceed.
    Under this temporary deviation, the Stratford Avenue Bridge shall 
remain in the closed position from April 1, 2017 to April 15, 2017. 
Between April 15, 2017 and May 1, 2017, the span will open for the 
passage of vessels requiring an opening provided 72 hours of advance 
notice is furnished to the owner of the bridge.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so 
at all times. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies. 
There is no 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: March 31, 2017.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-06818 Filed 4-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P