Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Merrimack River, MA

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25438-25439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11926]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-029]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Merrimack River, MA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations and request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary 90 day deviation from the existing drawbridge operation 
regulations governing the operation of the Newburyport US1 Bridge, mile 
3.4, across the Merrimack River between Newburyport and Salsbury, 
Massachusetts. This deviation from the existing operating regulations 
is necessary in order to test an alternate drawbridge operation 
schedule. It is expected that scheduled bridge openings for vessels 
will help eliminate the traffic congestion during the summer months.

DATES: This deviation is effective from June 3, 1999 through August 31, 
1999. Comments must reach the Coast Guard on or before October 30, 
1999.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard 
District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-3350. The 
telephone number is (617) 223-8364.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John W. McDonald, Project Officer, 
First Coast Guard District, (617) 223-8364.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit comments, 
written data, views, or arguments, concerning this 90 day deviation 
from the drawbridge operation regulations. Persons submitting comments 
should include their names and addresses, identify this notice (CGD01-
99-029) and give reasons for each comment. The Coast Guard requests 
that all comments and attachments be no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 
inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting 
acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope. Persons may submit comments by writing 
to, Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, 
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-3350.

Background

    The Newburyport US1 Bridge, mile 3.4, across the Merrimack River 
has a vertical clearance of 35 feet at mean high water (MHW) and 42 
feet at mean low water (MLW) in the closed position. The current 
regulations listed at 33 CFR Sec. 117.605 require the bridge to open on 
signal from May 1st through November 15th, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. At 
all other times the draw shall open on signal if at least one hour 
advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge.
    The bridge owner, the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD), 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating regulations for the 
Newburyport US1 Bridge to test an alternate drawbridge operating 
schedule. The local towns, Newburyport and Salsbury, have asked MHD and 
the Coast Guard for relief from the significant vehicular traffic 
congestion in Newburyport and Salsbury during the summer months caused 
by the frequent and unscheduled opening of the bridge.
    The Newburyport US1 Bridge will open on signal in accordance with 
the following schedule from June 3 through August 31, 1999:

    (1) Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the bridge 
shall open only at half past the hour.
    (2) Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the bridge 
shall open only at half past the hour and from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 
3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the bridge shall open on the hour and half hour.
    (3) At all other times the bridge shall open on signal after at 
least one hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted 
at the bridge.

    It is expected that this action will help alleviate vehicular 
traffic congestion during the summer months by scheduling the bridge 
openings.

[[Page 25439]]

Mariners and vehicle operators can better plan their transits according 
to the published schedule of operation. Vessels that can pass under the 
bridge without a bridge opening may do so at any time.
    This deviation from the normal operating regulations is authorized 
under 33 CFR 117.43.

    Dated: May 4, 1999.
R.M. Larrabee,
Real Admiral, Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-11926 Filed 5-11-99; 8:45 am]
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