Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Narrow Bay, Suffolk County, NY

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 Smith Point Bridge, mile 6.1 across Narrow Bay, at Suffolk County, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 18th Annual Smith Point Bridge 5k Run for Literacy. The deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for one hour.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on September 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0522, 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 Stephanie Lopez, Bridge Management Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 212-514-4335, email Stephanie.E.Lopez@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Smith Point County Park requested and the bridge owner, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, concurred with this temporary deviation request from the normal operating schedule to facilitate a 5K run.

The Smith Point Bridge across Narrow Bay, mile 6.1, has a vertical clearance of 18 feet at mean high water and 19 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The existing drawbridge operating regulation is listed at 33 CFR 117.799(d).

The temporary deviation will allow the Smith Point Bridge to remain closed from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on September 8, 2018 for a 5K run. Narrow Bay is transited by seasonal recreational vessels. Coordination with Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound has indicated no mariner objections to the proposed short-term closure of the draw.

Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies. There is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass.

The Coast Guard will 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.