94-14450. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Manchester Harbor, MA  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-14450]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: June 14, 1994]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    33 CFR Part 117
    
    [CGD01-94-063]
    
     
    
    Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Manchester Harbor, MA
    
    AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for 
    comments.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: Pursuant to 33 CFR 117.43, the Coast Guard is providing notice 
    that it has, at the request of the Town of Manchester, Massachusetts, 
    authorized a temporary deviation for ninety (90) days from the 
    operating regulations governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge over 
    Manchester Harbor at mile 1.0 in Manchester, Massachusetts.
        The permanent regulations are published at 33 CFR 117.603. This 
    deviation authorizes the Manchester Amtrak Bridge to open on signal 
    from June 3, 1994 through August 31, 1994 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. At all 
    other times at least 2 hours advance notice is required by calling the 
    number posted at the bridge. This temporary deviation is being 
    implemented to evaluate the effects of the extended operating hours and 
    the impact on marine traffic at the Manchester Bridge. This notice also 
    solicits comments on these changes to the operation of the bridge.
    
    DATES: The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994 through 
    August 31, 1994.
        Comments on effects of the deviation must be received on or before 
    October 31, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard 
    District, room 628 at the Captain John Foster Williams Federal 
    Building, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-3350. The 
    comments and other materials referenced in this notice will be 
    available for inspection and copying by appointment at the above 
    address. Normal office hours are between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday 
    through Friday, except federal holidays. Comments may also be hand-
    delivered to the above address.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    William C. Heming, Bridge Administrator, First Coast Guard District, 
    (212) 668-7170.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    
    Background and Purpose
    
        The Manchester Amtrak Bridge over Manchester Harbor has a vertical 
    clearance of 6' above mean high water (MHW) and 15' above mean low 
    water (MLW).
        The Town of Manchester has requested a change from the operating 
    regulations governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge in 33 CFR 117.603 
    which requires that the Amtrak Bridge open on signal from April 1 to 
    November 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This ninety day 
    deviation extends the operating hours to require the bridge to open on 
    signal from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from June 3, 1994 to August 31, 1994. This 
    change will allow vessels mooring in Manchester Harbor upstream of the 
    bridge to leave port at a reasonably early time and return to their 
    moorings after their evening racing and sailing. Many vessels were 
    unable to get underway at an early enough time for a day trip and 
    return before the 6 p.m. time period. They were forced to tie up at 
    town facilities or at other moorings until the the bridge was opened. 
    Additionally, the bridge owner (Amtrak) will be required to post 
    regulation signs up and down stream of the bridge indicating the 
    operating hours and the number to call for an off hour opening. The 
    bridge owner will also be required to install and maintain in good 
    condition clearance gages on the up and down stream sides of the 
    bridge. This deviation also requires the bridge to open on signal as 
    soon as possible for vessels of the United States, state and local 
    vessels used for public safety and vessels in distress.
    
    Request for Comments
    
        The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
    evaluation of possible changes to the regulations by submitting written 
    data, or arguments for or against this deviation. Persons submitting 
    comments should include their name and address and identify this 
    rulemaking (CGD01-94-063) and the specific section of this deviation to 
    which each comment applies, and give reason for each comment. Persons 
    wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped 
    self-addressed post card or envelope.
        The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
    comment period. If it appears appropriate to propose a permanent change 
    to the regulations, the Coast Guard will publish a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking and request additional comments as part of the rulemaking 
    process. All comments received regarding the deviation period will be 
    considered as part of the rulemaking. Persons may submit comments by 
    writing to the Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District listed under 
    ADDRESSES.
    
    Notice
    
        Notice is hereby given that:
        (1) The Coast Guard has granted the Town of Manchester, 
    Massachusetts, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements 
    listed in 33 CFR 117.603 governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge over 
    Manchester Harbor.
        (2) This deviation from normal operating regulations is authorized 
    in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of 
    evaluating possible changes to the permanent regulations.
        (3) The period of deviation is effective June 3, 1994 to August 31, 
    1994.
        (4) During the deviation period the Manchester Amtrak Bridge shall 
    operate as follows:
        (i) The bridge shall open on signal 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
        (ii) From 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the bridge shall open on signal if at 
    least 2 hours advance notice is given by calling the number posted at 
    the bridge.
        (iii) The bridge shall open on signal as soon as possible for 
    vessels of the United States, state and local vessels used for public 
    safety and vessels in distress.
    
        Dated: May 31, 1994.
    K.W. Thompson,
    Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard 
    District.
    [FR Doc. 94-14450 Filed 6-13-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/3/1994
Published:
06/14/1994
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for comments.
Document Number:
94-14450
Dates:
The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994 through August 31, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: June 14, 1994, CGD01-94-063
CFR: (1)
33 CFR 117