Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Connecticut River, 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 drawbridge operation regulations for the Route 82 Bridge, mile 16.8, across the Connecticut River at East Haddam, Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows the bridge to operate on a fixed opening schedule from October 16, 2004 through November 30, 2004. Under this temporary deviation the bridge must open on signal at 5:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. The bridge must open on signal at all times for commercial vessels after at least a two-hour advance notice is given. This deviation is necessary in order to facilitate necessary repairs at the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from October 16, 2004 through November 30, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Judy Leung-Yee, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7195.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Route 82 Bridge, at mile 16.8, across the Connecticut River has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 22 feet at mean high water and 25 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.205(c).

The owner of the bridge, Connecticut Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operating regulations to facilitate maintenance repairs at the bridge.

This deviation to the operating regulations allows the Route 82 Bridge to operate on a fixed opening schedule from October 16, 2004 through November 30, 2004. Under this temporary deviation the bridge must open on signal at 5:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. At all other times, the bridge must open on signal for commercial vessels, provided that at least a two hour advance notice is given.

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.