[Federal Register: October 21, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 203)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 56677-56678]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21oc99-5]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-178]

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Thames River, CT.

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing 
the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River 
in New London, Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows 
the bridge owner to require a two-hour advance notice for openings, 
Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., 
October 17, 1999, through November 11, 1999. This action is necessary 
to facilitate the replacement of structural steel at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from October 17, 1999, through 
November 11, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joe Schmied, Project Officer, 
First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7195.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the 
Thames River in New London, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance of 30 
feet at mean high water, and 33 feet at mean low water in the closed 
position.
    The bridge owner, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), 
has requested a deviation from the operating regulations governing the 
bridge to facilitate the replacement of deteriorated structural steel 
at the bridge. The Coast Guard previously allowed Amtrak to deviate 
from the operating regulations at this bridge to facilitate electrical 
modifications between August 2, 1999,

[[Page 56678]]

and September 30, 1999. During the process of the electrical 
modifications it was discovered that deterioration to the structural 
steel at the bridge had occurred. As a result, the bridge owner has 
requested a second deviation to replace the deteriorated structural 
steel.
    Thirty days notice to the Coast Guard for approval of the 
maintenance repairs was not given by the bridge owner because this work 
involves vital, unscheduled maintenance that must be performed without 
undue delay. The Coast Guard has approved Amtrak's request because the 
work was determined to be necessary for public safety and the continued 
operation of the bridge.
    This deviation to the operating regulations allows the bridge owner 
to require a two-hour advance notice for bridge openings for the Amtrak 
Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. 
The deviation will be in effect from Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. 
to 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., October 17, 1999, through November 
11, 1999. Requests for bridge openings can be made by calling (860) 
395-2355 or on marine radio channel 13 VHF/FM. Mariners requiring an 
emergency opening are advised to call Amtrak's Chief Dispatcher at 
(617) 345-7569. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an 
opening may do so at all times.
    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: October 14, 1999.
Robert F. Duncan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 99-27553 Filed 10-20-99; 8:45 am]
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