03-31099. Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Niantic River, CT

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 drawbridge operation regulations for the Amtrak Bridge across the Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, Connecticut. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. on January 2, 2004 through 8 p.m. on February 15, 2004. This temporary deviation is necessary to facilitate structural repairs at the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from January 2, 2004 through February 15, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, One South Street, New York, New York, 10004, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone]. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Joseph Schmied, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The vertical clearance under the Amtrak Bridge in the closed position is 11 feet at mean high water and 14 feet at mean low water. The existing regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.215(a).

The bridge owner, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation from the Drawbridge Operation Regulations to facilitate scheduled structural maintenance, replacement of flange angles and tread plates, at the bridge.

The Coast Guard coordinated this project with the mariners who normally use this waterway to minimize the impact on the marine transportation system.

Under this temporary deviation the Amtrak Bridge, mile 0.0, across the Niantic River, may remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. on January 2, 2004 through 8 p.m. on February 15, 2004. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35, and will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible.

Dated: December 9, 2003.

Vivien S. Crea,

Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.