82 FR 24248 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Champlain, North Hero Island, VT

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 101 (May 26, 2017)

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the US2 Bridge across Lake Champlain, mile 91.8, between North Hero and South Hero Island, Vermont. This deviation is necessary to extend the operating life of the drawbridge until a replacement bridge is constructed. This deviation allows the bridge to open only on the hour during the day for the 2017 boating season.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 101 (Friday, May 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24248]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10899]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0449]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Champlain, North Hero 
Island, VT

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 US2 Bridge across Lake Champlain, 
mile 91.8, between North Hero and South Hero Island, Vermont. This 
deviation is necessary to extend the operating life of the drawbridge 
until a replacement bridge is constructed. This deviation allows the 
bridge to open only on the hour during the day for the 2017 boating 
season.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from May 26, 
2017 through 8 p.m. on October 15, 2016. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from May 18, 2017, until May 
26, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0449, 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 Jeffrey Stieb; Bridge Management 
Specialist, First Coast Guard District, telephone 617-223-8364, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bridge owner, Vermont Agency of 
Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the normal 
operating schedule of the US2 Bridge, mile 91.8, across Lake Champlain 
at North Hero Island, Vermont. The drawbridge navigation span has a 
vertical clearance of 18 feet at ordinary high water in the closed 
position. The existing bridge operating regulations are found at 33 CFR 
117.993(b). The waterway is transited by seasonal recreational vessels 
of various sizes. Several marina facilities are in the area of the 
bridge.
    In response to the request, the Coast Guard's First District has 
approved a deviation from 8 a.m. on May 18, 2017 to 8 p.m. on October 
15, 2017, to conduct repairs to extend the life of the machinery which 
operates the drawbridge. During this deviation, the US2 Bridge shall 
open on signal only on the hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Vessels that are able to pass under the bridge in the closed 
position may do so at anytime. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies, and for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the 
closed position there is an alternate route to the north under the 
Alburg Passage US2 fixed bridge. The Alburg Passage US2 Bridge has a 
vertical clearance of 26 feet at ordinary high water. The Coast Guard 
will inform the users of the waterway through our Local Notice and 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the change in operating schedule 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 deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations 
is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: May 23, 2017.
C.J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-10899 Filed 5-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P