E7-21244. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Kennebec River, Bath and Woolwich, ME

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 Carlton Bridge across the Kennebec River at mile 14.0, between Bath and Woolwich, Maine. Under this temporary deviation the Carlton Bridge may remain in the closed position to facilitate bridge painting operations from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on November 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2007. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge painting.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. on November 5, 2007 through 6:30 p.m. on December 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at 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. The telephone number is [phone]. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Office maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John McDonald, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Carlton Bridge, across the Kennebec River, mile 14.0, between Bath and Woolwich, Maine, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 10 feet at mean high water and 16 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.525.

The owner of the bridge, Maine Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation to facilitate bridge painting operations at the Carlton Bridge. The bridge rarely opens for vessel traffic in November and December.

Under this temporary deviation the Carlton Bridge need not open for the passage of vessel traffic between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the days of November 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2007. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

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.

Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal operation schedule.

Notice of the above action shall be provided to the public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where practicable.

Dated: October 15, 2007.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.

4 1