[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21376]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-140]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Connecticut 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 CONRAIL Middletown-Portland Bridge, mile 32.0, 
across the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland, 
Connecticut. This deviation from the regulations allows the bridge 
owner to keep the bridge in the closed position from August 5, 1999, 
through September 13, 1999, Thursday through Monday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m. This action is necessary to facilitate repairs to replace 
structural steel on the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from August 5, 1999, through 
September 13, 1999.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The CONRAIL Middletown-Portland Bridge, mile 32.0, across the 
Connecticut River has vertical clearances of 25 feet at mean high 
water, and 27 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The 
operation regulations are in 33 CFR 117.205(b).
    The bridge owner, Connecticut Department of Transportation 
(CONNDOT), requested a temporary deviation from the operating 
regulations for the CONRAIL Middletown-Portland Bridge in order to 
conduct necessary repairs to the structural steel on the bridge. During 
the process of this work the bridge cannot be opened. Vessels that can 
pass under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times during 
the closed period. This work is essential for public safety and the 
continued operation of the bridge. 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 to the operating regulations authorizes CONNDOT to 
keep the CONRAIL Middletown-Portland Bridge, mile 32.0, across the 
Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland, Connecticut, in the 
closed position for repairs from August 5, 1999, through September 13, 
1999, Thursday through Monday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 
33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: August 9, 1999.
R.M. Larrabee,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-21376 Filed 8-17-99; 8:45 am]
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