Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Connecticut River, East Haddam, CT

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Route 82 Bridge across the Connecticut River, mile 16.8, at East Haddam, Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation, the bridge may remain in the closed position for two nights from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. between March 19, 2007 and March 23, 2007. The exact two closure dates will be determined based upon favorable weather necessary to perform the scheduled repairs. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from March 19, 2007 through March 23, 2007.

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) 668-7195.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Route 82 Bridge, across the Connecticut River, mile 16.8, at East Haddam, Connecticut, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 22 feet at mean high water and 25 feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.205(c).

The owner of the bridge, Connecticut Department of Transportation, requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled bridge maintenance, drive gear repairs. The bridge will not be able to open while the bridge maintenance is underway.

Under this temporary deviation the Route 82 Bridge may remain in the closed position between 8:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., for two nights, between March 19, 2007 and March 23, 2007. The exact two closure dates will be selected depending upon favorable weather necessary to perform the required repairs.

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.