E8-11437. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Thames River, New London, 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 regulations governing the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River at New London, Connecticut. While this temporary deviation is in effect, the bridge may remain in the closed position for sixteen days and operate on a temporary operating schedule for ten days.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from June 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0356 and are available online at http://www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, and 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Amtrak Bridge, across the Thames River at mile 3.0, at New London, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 30 feet at mean high water and 33 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.224.

The waterway has seasonal recreational vessels, fishing vessels, and U.S. Navy vessels of various sizes. The U.S. Navy and other marine facilities were notified regarding this deviation and no objections were received.

The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate rehabilitation construction at the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River at New London may remain in the closed position from June 1, 2008, through June 13, 2008, and from June 18, 2008, through June 20, 2008.

From June 21, 2008, through June 30, 2008, the draw may remain in the closed position; except that, the draw shall open for the passage of vessel traffic during the following time periods:

Monday through Friday from: 5 a.m. to 5:40 a.m.; 11:20 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.; 3:35 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.

Saturday from: 8:30 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.; 12:35 p.m. to 1:05 p.m.; 3:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.; 5:35 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.; and 7:35 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Sunday from: 8:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.; 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. to 1:55 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The draw shall open on signal at any time for U.S. Navy submarines and their associated escort vessels.

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.

Dated: May 9, 2008.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.