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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

CFR Citation: 33 CFR Part 117

USC ID: [USCG-2008-0592]

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Drawbridge Operation Regulations:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Thames River, New London, CT

DATES: This deviation is effective from June 28, 2008 through July 9, 2008.

DOCUMENT 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 three days and operate on a temporary operating schedule for nine days.

SUMMARY: Thames River, New London, CT,

SUPPLEMENTAL 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 28, 2008 through June 30, 2008.

From July 1, 2008, through July 9, 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 Thursday 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.

Friday and 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: June 25, 2008.
Gary Kassof,
Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E815026 Filed 7108; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 911004P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (212) 6687165.