[Federal Register: December 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 242)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 70152-70153]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17de03-14]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-03-111]

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Niantic River, 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 drawbridge operation regulations for the 
Amtrak Bridge across the Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, 
Connecticut. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain 
in the closed position from 7 a.m. on January 2, 2004 through 8 p.m. on 
February 15, 2004. This temporary deviation is necessary to facilitate 
structural repairs at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from January 2, 2004 through 
February 15, 2004.

[[Page 70153]]


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 8 a.m. and 
3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is (212) 668-7165. The First Coast Guard District 
Bridge Branch maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The vertical clearance under the Amtrak 
Bridge in the closed position is 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 bridge owner, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), 
requested a temporary deviation from the Drawbridge Operation 
Regulations to facilitate scheduled structural maintenance, replacement 
of flange angles and tread plates, at the bridge.
    The Coast Guard coordinated this project with the mariners who 
normally use this waterway to minimize the impact on the marine 
transportation system.
    Under this temporary deviation the Amtrak Bridge, mile 0.0, across 
the Niantic River, may remain in the closed position from 7 a.m. on 
January 2, 2004 through 8 p.m. on February 15, 2004. Vessels that can 
pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all times.
    This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 
33 CFR 117.35, and will be performed with all due speed in order to 
return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible.

    Dated: December 9, 2003.
Vivien S. Crea,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 03-31099 Filed 12-16-03; 8:45 am]

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