E6-16318. 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 bridge may remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. on October 16, 2006 through 8 p.m., on October 17, 2006. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from October 16, 2006 through October 17, 2006.

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 at 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 scheduled bridge maintenance, replacement of the bridge lift cables. The bridge will not be able to open while the bridge maintenance is underway.

Under this temporary deviation, the Carlton Bridge need not open for the passage of vessel traffic from 7 a.m. on October 16, 2006 through 8 p.m. on October 17, 2006.

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.

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

This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: September 25, 2006.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.