[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 67 (Friday, April 6, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18193-18194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-8447]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-01-046]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Shaw Cove, 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 operating regulations governing 
the operation of the Amtrak Bridge, at mile 0.0, across the Shaw Cove 
at New London, Connecticut. Under this deviation the bridge owner need 
not open the bridge for vessel traffic from 10 p.m. on April 4, 2001 
through 10 p.m. on April 6, 2001. This action is necessary to 
facilitate necessary maintenance at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective April 4, 2001, through April 6, 
2001.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The Amtrak Bridge, at mile 0.0, across the Shaw Cove has a vertical 
clearance of 3 feet at mean high water, and 6 feet at mean low water in 
the closed position. The existing drawbridge

[[Page 18194]]

operating regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.223.
    The bridge owner, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operating 
regulations to facilitate necessary maintenance at the bridge. This 
deviation from the operating regulations allows the bridge owner to 
need not open the Amtrak Bridge for vessel traffic from 10 p.m. on 
April 4, 2001 through 10 p.m. on April 6, 2001. Vessels that can pass 
under the bridge without an opening may do so at all times during the 
closed period.
    The bridge owner provided less than 30 days notice to the Coast 
Guard of its request to deviate from the drawbridge regulations on the 
specified dates. However, a deviation was previously approved to 
perform this work March 5, 2001 through March 8, 2001; that work was 
cancelled due to severe weather conditions during that period. Delaying 
the commencement of this maintenance to require an additional 30 days 
notice would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest since 
this work involves vital maintenance that must be performed without 
undue delay. Known waterway users were contacted regarding the proposed 
closure period; none had any objection. Furthermore, performing the 
repairs before the recreational boating season begins will lessen the 
impact and inconvenience to other mariners that use this waterway.
    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: March 29, 2001.
G.N. Naccara,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 01-8447 Filed 4-5-01; 8:45 am]
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