Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Chelsea River, Chelsea and East Boston, MA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the P.J. McArdle Bridge across the Chelsea River, mile 0.3, between Chelsea and East Boston, Massachusetts. This deviation is necessary to facilitate the annual Chelsea River Revel and 5K Road Race. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during the running of the 5K Road Race. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. on June 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0001 and are available online at www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: The Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, and the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John McDonald, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (617) 223-8364.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The owner of the bridge, the City of Boston, requested this temporary deviation. The P.J. McArdle Bridge, across the Chelsea River at mile 0.3, between Chelsea and East Boston, Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 21 feet at mean high water and 30 feet at mean low water. The bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 117.593. This deviation which allows the bridge to remain closed is effective from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. on June 14, 2008. Vessels able to pass under the closed draw may do so at any time. Tankers, and tug and barge units transit Chelsea Creek under the McArdle Bridge. Waterway users were advised of the requested bridge closure period and offered no objection.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.