[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20958]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-125]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Thames River, CT

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing 
the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River 
in New London, Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows 
the bridge owner to require a two-hour advance notice for opening, 
Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., August 2, 1999, through 
September 30, 1999. This action is necessary to facilitate electrical 
modifications at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from August 2, 1999, through 
September 30, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Schmied, Project Officer, First 
Coast Guard District, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across the 
Thames River in New London, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance of 30 
feet at mean high water, and 33 feet at mean low water in the closed 
position. The bridge owner, National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation from the operating 
regulations to facilitate electrical modifications at the bridge. This 
deviation to the operating regulations allows the bridge owner to 
require a two-hour advance notice for bridge openings for the Amtrak 
Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. 
This deviation will be in effect from Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. 
to 5 a.m., August 2, 1999, through September 30, 1999. Requests for 
bridge openings can be made by calling (860) 395-2355 or on marine 
radio channel 13 VHF/FM. Mariners requiring an emergency opening are 
advised to call Amtrak's Chief Dispatcher at (617) 345-7569. Vessels 
that can pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all 
times during the closed periods.
    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.

    Dated: July 23, 1999.
R. M. Larrabee,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander,
First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-20958 Filed 8-12-99; 8:45 am]
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