[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 100 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29690-29691]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11437]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2008-0356]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Thames River, New London, 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 Bridge, mile 3.0, across the Thames River at New London, 
Connecticut. While this temporary deviation is in effect, the bridge 
may remain in the closed position for sixteen days and operate on a 
temporary operating schedule for ten days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from June 1, 2008, through June 30, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0356 and are available online 
at http://www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection 
or copying at two locations: the Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, and 
the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch Office, 408 Atlantic 
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amtrak Bridge, across the Thames River 
at mile 3.0, at New London, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance in 
the closed position of 30 feet at mean

[[Page 29691]]

high water and 33 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge 
operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.224.
    The waterway has seasonal recreational vessels, fishing vessels, 
and U.S. Navy vessels of various sizes. The U.S. Navy and other marine 
facilities were notified regarding this deviation and no objections 
were received.
    The owner of the bridge, National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak), requested a temporary deviation to facilitate rehabilitation 
construction at the bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation the Amtrak Bridge, mile 3.0, across 
the Thames River at New London may remain in the closed position from 
June 1, 2008, through June 13, 2008, and from June 18, 2008, through 
June 20, 2008.
    From June 21, 2008, through June 30, 2008, the draw may remain in 
the closed position; except that, the draw shall open for the passage 
of vessel traffic during the following time periods:
    Monday through Friday from: 5 a.m. to 5:40 a.m.; 11:20 a.m. to 
11:55 a.m.; 3:35 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.
    Saturday from: 8:30 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.; 12:35 p.m. to 1:05 p.m.; 
3:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.; 5:35 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.; and 7:35 p.m. to 8:40 
p.m.
    Sunday from: 8:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.; 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 1:30 
p.m. to 1:55 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
    The draw shall open on signal at any time for U.S. Navy submarines 
and their associated escort vessels.
    Vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may 
do so at all times.
    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: May 9, 2008.
Gary Kassof,
Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E8-11437 Filed 5-21-08; 8:45 am]
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