Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Niantic River, Niantic, CT

Federal Register: March 12, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 49)

Rules and Regulations

Page 13128

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr12mr08-27

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117

Docket No. USCG-2008-0149

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Niantic River, Niantic, 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 Railroad Bridge, across the Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic,

Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice will be required for bridge openings between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the following time periods: March 21, 2008 to March 24, 2008 and March 28, 2008 to March 31, 2008. Notice may be given by calling the bridge on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510-5628.

Vessels that can pass under the draw without an opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary immediately to facilitate required bridge maintenance in order to prevent further disruption in train service and navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from March 21, 2008 through March 31, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch

Office, One South Street, New York, New York, 10004, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (212) 668-7165. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch

Office maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First

Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Railroad Bridge, across the

Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 11 feet at mean high water and 14 feet at mean low water. The existing regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.215(a).

The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Corporation

(Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled mechanical maintenance, miter rail replacement, at the bridge.

Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice for bridge openings will be required between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the following time periods: March 21, 2008 to March 24, 2008, and March 28, 2008 to March 31, 2008. The advance notice may be given by calling the bridge on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510- 5628. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may do so at all times.

Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal operating schedule. Notice of the above action shall be provided to the public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where practicable.

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: February 29, 2008.

Gary Kassof,

Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.

FR Doc. E8-4937 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am

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