[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4937]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2008-0149]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Niantic River, Niantic, CT

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 regulations governing the operation of the 
Amtrak Railroad Bridge, across the Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, 
Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice 
will be required for bridge openings between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during 
the following time periods: March 21, 2008 to March 24, 2008 and March 
28, 2008 to March 31, 2008. Notice may be given by calling the bridge 
on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510-5628. 
Vessels that can pass under the draw without an opening may do so at 
all times. This deviation is necessary immediately to facilitate 
required bridge maintenance in order to prevent further disruption in 
train service and navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from March 21, 2008 through March 
31, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch 
Office, One South Street, New York, New York, 10004, between 7 a.m. and 
3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is (212) 668-7165. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Branch 
Office maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Railroad Bridge, across the 
Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, Connecticut, has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 11 feet at mean high water and 14 
feet at mean low water. The existing regulations are listed at 33 CFR 
117.215(a).
    The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled 
mechanical maintenance, miter rail replacement, at the bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice for bridge 
openings will be required between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the 
following time periods: March 21, 2008 to March 24, 2008, and March 28, 
2008 to March 31, 2008. The advance notice may be given by calling the 
bridge on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510-
5628. Vessels that can pass under the draw without a bridge opening may 
do so at all times.
    Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary 
deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published 
in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this 
temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal 
operating schedule. Notice of the above action shall be provided to the 
public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where 
practicable.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its 
regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: February 29, 2008.
Gary Kassof,
Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.
 [FR Doc. E8-4937 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
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