[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 35655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16084]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0517]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Thames River, New London, CT

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation; modification.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Amtrak Bridge across Thames River, 
mile 3.0, at New London, CT. This action is necessary to complete 
installation of an emergency generator. This modified deviation allows 
the bridge to require a two hour advance notice for openings during 
nighttime hours.

DATES: The modified deviation published on June 23, 2017 (82 FR 28552) 
is effective from August 1, 2017 through 12:01 a.m. on September 30, 
2017. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 
12:01 a.m. on July 31, 2017 until August 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0517] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email James L. Rousseau, Bridge Management 
Specialist, First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
617-223-8619, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 23, 2017, the Coast Guard published 
a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; 
Thames River, New London, CT'' in the Federal Register (82 FR 28552). 
Under that temporary deviation, between July 31, 2017 and September 12, 
2017, the draw of the Amtrak Bridge would require a two hour advance 
notice for openings during nighttime hours.
    Amtrak, the owner of the bridge, requested a modification of the 
currently published deviation in order to facilitate installation of a 
lift span emergency generator. Due to delays in manufacturing Amtrak 
has requested that the temporary deviation be modified to allow the 
Amtrak Bridge to require a 2 hour advance notice between 9 p.m. and 7 
a.m. from July 31, 2017 to September 30, 2017, while a crane barge is 
present next to the lift span. The presence of the crane barge reduces 
the horizontal clearance to 70 feet. Additionally, between July 31, 
2017 and September 10, 2017, the lift span will be in the down position 
during daytime hours but will be able to open when requested.
    The Amtrak Bridge across the Thames River, mile 3.0 at New London, 
Connecticut has a horizontal clearance of 150 feet and a vertical 
clearance of 29 feet at mean high water and 31 feet at mean low water 
in the closed position. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 75 feet 
in the intermediate raised position and 135 feet in the fully open 
position at mean high water. The existing drawbridge operating 
regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.224. The waterway is transited by 
recreational traffic, commercial vessels, ferries, and military 
vessels. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an opening may 
do so at all times. When the barge is located next to the lift span, 
the bridge will not be able to open immediately for emergencies. There 
is no alternate route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge 
when in the closed position.
    The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through 
our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators can arrange their 
transits to minimize any impact caused by this temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: July 26, 2017.
Christopher. J. Bisignano,
Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-16084 Filed 7-31-17; 8:45 am]
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