[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56677-56678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-27553]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD01-99-178]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Thames River, CT.
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a
temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing
the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River
in New London, Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows
the bridge owner to require a two-hour advance notice for openings,
Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.,
October 17, 1999, through November 11, 1999. This action is necessary
to facilitate the replacement of structural steel at the bridge.
DATES: This deviation is effective from October 17, 1999, through
November 11, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joe Schmied, Project Officer,
First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7195.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the
Thames River in New London, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance of 30
feet at mean high water, and 33 feet at mean low water in the closed
position.
The bridge owner, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak),
has requested a deviation from the operating regulations governing the
bridge to facilitate the replacement of deteriorated structural steel
at the bridge. The Coast Guard previously allowed Amtrak to deviate
from the operating regulations at this bridge to facilitate electrical
modifications between August 2, 1999,
[[Page 56678]]
and September 30, 1999. During the process of the electrical
modifications it was discovered that deterioration to the structural
steel at the bridge had occurred. As a result, the bridge owner has
requested a second deviation to replace the deteriorated structural
steel.
Thirty days notice to the Coast Guard for approval of the
maintenance repairs was not given by the bridge owner because this work
involves vital, unscheduled maintenance that must be performed without
undue delay. The Coast Guard has approved Amtrak's request because the
work was determined to be necessary for public safety and the continued
operation of the bridge.
This deviation to the operating regulations allows the bridge owner
to require a two-hour advance notice for bridge openings for the Amtrak
Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River in New London, Connecticut.
The deviation will be in effect from Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m.
to 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., October 17, 1999, through November
11, 1999. Requests for bridge openings can be made by calling (860)
395-2355 or on marine radio channel 13 VHF/FM. Mariners requiring an
emergency opening are advised to call Amtrak's Chief Dispatcher at
(617) 345-7569. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an
opening may do so at all times.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: October 14, 1999.
Robert F. Duncan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 99-27553 Filed 10-20-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M
