Document ID: USCG-2016-0384-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Grassy Sound Channel, Middle Township, NJ
Posted Date: 2016-05-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11349]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0384]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Grassy Sound Channel, Middle 
Township, NJ

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 Grassy Sound Channel Bridge (West 
Ocean Drive/CR619) across the Grassy Sound Channel, mile 1.0, at Middle 
Township, NJ. This deviation is necessary to provide for the safety of 
runners during ``The Wild Half'' annual half marathon. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on May 15, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0384] 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. Hal R. Pitts, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape May County, Department of Public 
Works, that owns and operates the Grassy Sound Channel Bridge, has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulations 
to provide for the safety of runners during ``The Wild Half'' annual 
half marathon event. The bridge is a bascule draw bridge and has a 
vertical clearance in the closed position of 15 feet above mean high 
water.
    The current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.721. Under 
this temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on May 15, 2016. The 
Coast Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel 
traffic on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to safely pass through the bridge in the closed 
position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies and the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway is an alternate 
route for vessels transiting the area. 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.

    Dated: May 10, 2016.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-11349 Filed 5-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P