[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-14450]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 14, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-94-063]

 

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Manchester Harbor, MA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to 33 CFR 117.43, the Coast Guard is providing notice 
that it has, at the request of the Town of Manchester, Massachusetts, 
authorized a temporary deviation for ninety (90) days from the 
operating regulations governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge over 
Manchester Harbor at mile 1.0 in Manchester, Massachusetts.
    The permanent regulations are published at 33 CFR 117.603. This 
deviation authorizes the Manchester Amtrak Bridge to open on signal 
from June 3, 1994 through August 31, 1994 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. At all 
other times at least 2 hours advance notice is required by calling the 
number posted at the bridge. This temporary deviation is being 
implemented to evaluate the effects of the extended operating hours and 
the impact on marine traffic at the Manchester Bridge. This notice also 
solicits comments on these changes to the operation of the bridge.

DATES: The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994 through 
August 31, 1994.
    Comments on effects of the deviation must be received on or before 
October 31, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard 
District, room 628 at the Captain John Foster Williams Federal 
Building, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-3350. The 
comments and other materials referenced in this notice will be 
available for inspection and copying by appointment at the above 
address. Normal office hours are between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except federal holidays. Comments may also be hand-
delivered to the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William C. Heming, Bridge Administrator, First Coast Guard District, 
(212) 668-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Purpose

    The Manchester Amtrak Bridge over Manchester Harbor has a vertical 
clearance of 6' above mean high water (MHW) and 15' above mean low 
water (MLW).
    The Town of Manchester has requested a change from the operating 
regulations governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge in 33 CFR 117.603 
which requires that the Amtrak Bridge open on signal from April 1 to 
November 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This ninety day 
deviation extends the operating hours to require the bridge to open on 
signal from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from June 3, 1994 to August 31, 1994. This 
change will allow vessels mooring in Manchester Harbor upstream of the 
bridge to leave port at a reasonably early time and return to their 
moorings after their evening racing and sailing. Many vessels were 
unable to get underway at an early enough time for a day trip and 
return before the 6 p.m. time period. They were forced to tie up at 
town facilities or at other moorings until the the bridge was opened. 
Additionally, the bridge owner (Amtrak) will be required to post 
regulation signs up and down stream of the bridge indicating the 
operating hours and the number to call for an off hour opening. The 
bridge owner will also be required to install and maintain in good 
condition clearance gages on the up and down stream sides of the 
bridge. This deviation also requires the bridge to open on signal as 
soon as possible for vessels of the United States, state and local 
vessels used for public safety and vessels in distress.

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
evaluation of possible changes to the regulations by submitting written 
data, or arguments for or against this deviation. Persons submitting 
comments should include their name and address and identify this 
rulemaking (CGD01-94-063) and the specific section of this deviation to 
which each comment applies, and give reason for each comment. Persons 
wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped 
self-addressed post card or envelope.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
comment period. If it appears appropriate to propose a permanent change 
to the regulations, the Coast Guard will publish a notice of proposed 
rulemaking and request additional comments as part of the rulemaking 
process. All comments received regarding the deviation period will be 
considered as part of the rulemaking. Persons may submit comments by 
writing to the Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District listed under 
ADDRESSES.

Notice

    Notice is hereby given that:
    (1) The Coast Guard has granted the Town of Manchester, 
Massachusetts, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements 
listed in 33 CFR 117.603 governing the Manchester Amtrak Bridge over 
Manchester Harbor.
    (2) This deviation from normal operating regulations is authorized 
in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of 
evaluating possible changes to the permanent regulations.
    (3) The period of deviation is effective June 3, 1994 to August 31, 
1994.
    (4) During the deviation period the Manchester Amtrak Bridge shall 
operate as follows:
    (i) The bridge shall open on signal 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    (ii) From 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the bridge shall open on signal if at 
least 2 hours advance notice is given by calling the number posted at 
the bridge.
    (iii) The bridge shall open on signal as soon as possible for 
vessels of the United States, state and local vessels used for public 
safety and vessels in distress.

    Dated: May 31, 1994.
K.W. Thompson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 94-14450 Filed 6-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M