Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Norwalk River, CT

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

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 Washington Street S136 Bridge, mile 0.0, across the Norwalk River at Norwalk, Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows the bridge owner to keep the bridge in the closed position from 8 a.m. on February 29, 2000, to 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2000. This action is necessary to facilitate structural repairs at the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective February 29, 2000, through March 2, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joseph Schmied, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Washington Street S136 Bridge, mile 0.0, across the Norwalk River at Norwalk, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance of 9 feet at mean high water, and 16 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The bridge owner, Connecticut Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation from the operating regulations to facilitate structural repairs at the bridge. The existing operating regulations listed at 33 CFR 117.217 require the bridge to open on signal, except that, from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, the draw need not be opened for the passage of vessels that draw less than 14 feet of water.

This deviation to the operating regulations allows the owner of the bridge to keep the bridge in the closed position from 8 a.m. on February 29, 2000, through 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2000. 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.