2011-15351. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Connecticut River, Old Lyme, 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 regulation governing the operation of the Amtrak Railroad Bridge at mile 3.4, across the Connecticut River at Old Lyme, Connecticut. The deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled maintenance at the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. through 6 a.m. on June 23, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0492 and are available online at http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0492 in the “Keyword” and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail Mr. Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, [e-mail], or telephone [phone]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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

The waterway users are commercial and recreational vessels.

The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Company (Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation from the regulations to facilitate repair of the main gear box and secondary reducer at the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation the Amtrak Railroad Bridge may remain in the closed position between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. on June 23, 2011. Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time.

The local marinas and commercial users were notified. No objections were received.

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: June 8, 2011.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.