04-28553. Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Connecticut 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 Old Saybrook-Old Lyme Bridge, mile 3.4, across the Connecticut River, Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation, effective from February 21, 2005 through March 31, 2005, the bridge shall open on signal on a fixed schedule at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the draw shall open on signal after at least a four-hour advance notice is given. This deviation is necessary in order to facilitate necessary repairs at the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from February 21, 2005 through March 31, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Old Saybrook-Old Lyme Bridge, at mile 3.4 across the Connecticut River has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 19 feet at mean high water and 22 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.205(b).

The owner of the bridge, Amtrak, requested a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operating regulations to facilitate structural repairs at the bridge.

This deviation to the operating regulations allows the Old Saybrook-Old Lyme Bridge to operate on a fixed opening schedule from February 21, 2005 through March 31, 2005. The bridge shall open only at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. and from 8 p.m. through 8 a.m., the draw shall open on signal after at least a four-hour advance notice is given.

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: December 14, 2004.

John L. Grenier,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard District.