Posted: 30 October 2009 at 1:58pm | IP Logged

East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
Oct 29, 2009

Attention Snowbirds!!

Oak Island Bridge, Mile 316.6, Delays for Girder Installation:
             Mariners are advised to TAKE CAUTION and PROCEED SLOWLY when approaching the construction site of a new highway bridge to Oak Island (Middleton Avenue), over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Mile 316.6, in Brunswick County, NC. Every other day, between November 16 and December 7, 2009, barges and a crane will be in the channel installing center girders causing delays of approximately four hours between :0730 and :1130. We advise mariners to check the schedule to avoid waterway delays by calling the bridge site (910-278-5526 or 910-443-0688) a day or two prior to your arrival. (5th District LNM 43)*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase.  Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

MSIB 63-09, Update #2, Sector Charleston, October 29, 2009:
             Due to the scheduled replacement of the swing span of the Ben Sawyer Bridge, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) will be closed to marine traffic from Monday, November 30, 2009 at 12:00 A.M. to Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:59 P.M.
             A safety zone will be enforced around the Ben Sawyer Bridge during the entire 10 day closure. The safety zone will encompass the entire waterway from 180 yards northwest of the bridge, and 220 yards southwest of the bridge. No one may enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Captain of the Port Charleston or his designated representative.
             Mariners are encouraged to listen to the broadcast notice to mariners for updates on VHF Ch 16. CG Sector Charleston will broadcast the closure, as well as the implementation and rescission of the corresponding safety zone for the bridge. Updates to the schedule are dependent on weather and will be made to this MSIB, as necessary. For questions regarding the bridge construction call Julie Hussey with PCL at (843) 224-1096 or Kim Partenheimer with PB Americas at (843) 972-1775. For Coast Guard issues, please contact the Coast Guard’s 24 hour Command Center Line at (843) 740-7050.
             There is no way to get around this ICW closure except to go into the ocean. The shortest safe ocean passage southbound (from good inlet to good inlet) is from Winyah Bay to Charleston. In making this passage, the strong currents flowing into and out of both inlets must be considered as well as the long distances from the sea buoys to safe harbor inside. It’s 50 statute miles from sea buoy to sea buoy, and 17 statute miles from Georgetown out to the sea buoy and then 14 statute miles from the sea buoy into Charleston, for a total of 81 statute  miles between safe harbors with marinas and anchorage. Also to be considered in late November is the short amount of daylight, and of course the weather. Snowbirds in slower boats should think long and hard before taking off into the ocean to avoid this ICW closure. Remember that while the smaller inlets between Winyah Bay and Charleston may be used by local smaller boats, they are not considered to be safe without local knowledge, especially for the draft and type of boats in which most Snowbirds are travelling. Don’t attempt to use them.

Further Restrictions at the Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8:
             The Captain of the Port Hampton Roads advises all local mariners, vessels and facilities that needed fender system repairs have been extended at the Gilmerton Lift Bridge (US 13/460) across the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch), at AIWW mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA, that will restrict the normal operation of the drawbridge.  Restricted operations are scheduled to occur each weekend, on the following dates:

(1) from 7 a.m. October 30, 2009, through 7 a.m. on November 2, 2009;
(2) from 7 a.m. on November 6, 2009 through 7 a.m. on November 9, 2009; and
(3) from 7 a.m. on November 13, 2009 through 7 a.m. on November 16, 2009. 
Drawbridge openings are scheduled every two hours on the hour.  All piloted vessels (large commercial or government vessels with a professional pilot aboard) will be permitted to transit upon request to the bridge tender with a two hour notice.  The bridge tender may be contacted at (757) 545-1512 or via marine radio on Channel 13.  At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d).  Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area. (5th District Bridge Branch)
             NOTE: I called the Coast Guard and was told that the scheduled opening every two hours on the hour would be on the even hour. Check with the bridge tender before arrival at the bridge to verify.
New USACE Survey Shows Shallower Water in Georgia:
             Georgia waters were surveyed in September and early October 2009 by the USACE Savannah. The results are posted on their website at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/AIWWPROF-sep09.pdf .
             Not all parts of the ICW or alternate routes were surveyed. Some of the usual shallow parts are shallower than in past surveys. Following is a list of the surveyed areas showing 7 feet MLW or less in the center half of the channel (the west quarter is the red ICW channel marker side and the east quarter is the green ICW channel marker side; most of the channels are 150 feet wide):
             Ramshorn Creek: 6 feet center, 7 feet west quarter, 4 feet east quarter
             Fields Cut: 5 feet center, 5 feet west quarter, 4 feet east quarter
             Elba Cut: 5 feet center, 2.5 feet west quarter, 11 feet east quarter
             Florida Passage: 5 feet center, 6 feet west quarter, 4.5 feet east quarter
             Little Mud River: 3 feet center, 2 feet west quarter, 2 feet east quarter
             Altamaha Sound: 5 feet center, 2 feet west quarter, 7 feet east quarter
             Buttermilk Sound (vicinity of DM “216A”): 4 feet center, 5 feet west quarter, 5 feet east quarter
             Buttermilk Sound (Vicinity DM “216A” to BN “223”): 3 feet center, 3 feet west quarter, 3 feet east quarter
             Jekyll Creek: 5 feet center, 0.5 feet west quarter, 3.0 feet east quarter
             Noticeably missing from this list is recently dredged Hell Gate. For your information--Hell Gate was surveyed at 10 feet center, 8 feet west quarter, 6 feet east quarter.
             Note: Tides in this area of Georgia range from around 6 to 9 feet. Sometimes they can be lower, sometimes higher. Check for local knowledge and use more than one method of navigation. Paper and electronic charts can be dated or incorrect; often the markers are moved to mark the best water, but the magenta line on the chart is not, resulting in the magenta line appearing to be on the wrong side of a marker. The best time to pass through questionable areas is at half-tide and rising. Channels and depths can change for many reasons at any time, and these findings may be completely different when you pass through.

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

SEACOAST-BAY OF FUNDY TO CAPE COD-PORTSMOUTH HARBOR
Here’s another one: 
             The Coast Guard has made the following change to this waterway(s):
CHANGE: Whaleback Island Light fog signal is being changed to radio activated
              During times of reduced visibility, mariners are requested to turn their VHFM radio to channel 79. By keying their microphone, 5 times consecutively, while on channel 79, this will activate the fog signal for 45 minutes. (First District LNM 42)

Portsmouth, NH--Regulated Navigation Area:
             Regulated Navigation Area, Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard has established a Regulated Navigation Area from October 15, 2009 through November 15, 2009. The navigation area is approximately a one mile stretch of the channel between Henderson Point Light on Seavey Island (43-04-29.319N, 070-44-10.189W) to Badgers Island Buoy 14 (43-04-51.951N, 070-45-21.518W). The purpose of this temporary final rule is to restrict the speed of vessels transiting in the area while diving and loading operations are taking place at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The wake of vessels could endanger the lives of divers working in the water. The speed restrictions will be enforced only when divers are actively in the water. All vessels transiting through this area shall proceed with caution, operating at no more than 5 knots and in a manner so as to produce no wake when the navigation area is being enforced. Notice of the speed restrictions will be broadcast on VHF-CH 16 one hour prior to commencing and every half-hour until cancelled. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this waterway beyond the enforcement times. For any comments or questions, contact LTJG VanDerPol, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, at (207) 767-0320. (First District LNM 42)

Point Judith, RI--Dredging:
             Maintenance dredging of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Point Judith Pond will commence on October 22, 2009 and continue until approximately December 15, 2009. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has contracted with Village Dock, Inc., for this project. The Project Manager is Mr. Sean Murray who may be reached at 516-779-4309. The Project Superintendent is Mr. Daniel Dilgen who can be reached at (631) 879-2915. On-site work vessels include the crane barge Charlotte Fae, the dump scow Pequot, the dump scow Sae 2000, the tug boat On The Rocks, and the tug boat On The Rocks II. The working frequency for dredging operations is VHF channel 25. VHF channel 16 will be continuously monitored as well. Mariners are urged to use extra caution when navigating in the vicinity of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Point Judith Pond during dredging operations. (First District LNM 42)

Hudson River Dredging:
             Dredging will be done at Southern side of Pier 98 from 23 October -to approximately 6 November 2009. The hours of operation will be 7 days a weeks, 24 hours a day. On scene will be a dredge, scows and tugs THOMAS DUNN & VIRGINIA that will be monitoring VHF-FM channel 13, with 65 as the working channel. (First District LNM 42) 

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

NJICW Shoaling:
             Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of NJICW Buoy 386A. Mariners are also urged to use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM 43)

Dredging: Delaware River:         
             The Dredge PULLEN will be conducting dredging operations in the Delaware River between the Bristol Range and Duck Island Range from 15 October until 31 December, 2009. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. It is requested that all traffic contact the dredge 30 minutes prior to the anticipated time of passing. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. (5th District LNM 43)

Dredging: Delaware Offshore:  
             The Paul Howard Construction Co. will be conducting dredging operations in Indian River Inlet and Bay from 15 October until 15 February, 2010. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. (5th District LNM 43)

Dredging: Upper Chesapeake Bay:
             The Great Lakes Bucket Dredge 55 will be conducting dredging operations in Upper Chesapeake Channel between Elk River Channel LB 3 near Grove Point and Upper Chesapeake Channel LB 25 from 15 October until 15 February, 2010. Dredge material will be transported to the Pooles Island spoil area by the tugs CAPTAIN DAN and BALTIC DAWN. The dredge and tugs may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. (5th District LNM 43)

BIG Dead Ship Tows, Baltimore Harbor and Chesapeake Bay:
             Mariners are advised that the following dead ship tows are scheduled to occur:
McAllister Towing of Virginia will tow the 947-foot vessel U.S.N.S. DENEBOLA within Baltimore Harbor, from the vessel’s departure at North Locust Point Marine Terminal (NLPMT), Pier 8, when en route and while within the Baltimore Harbor General Anchorage Grounds, and until the vessel’s return at North LPMT, Pier 8, in Baltimore, MD, with the primary tug Timothy McAllister with assist tugs Robert E. McAllister, Donal G. McAllister and Kaleen McAllister, on Monday, November 2, 2009, starting at 7 a.m.; and McAllister Towing of Virginia will tow the 947-foot vessel U.S.N.S. ANTARES southward in the Chesapeake Bay en route Bayonne, NJ via the Chesapeake Bay entrance at Cape Henry, VA, from the vessel’s departure at NLPMT, Pier 8, in Baltimore, MD, with the primary tug Michael J. McAllister and assist tugs Mary L. McAllister, Steven McAllister and Daniel McAllister, starting at Monday, November 2, 2009, at 8 a.m. Interested mariners may contact the primary tugs (listed above) via marine band radio channels 16 and 13 VHF-FM. For any comments or questions, contact the McAllister Towing of Virginia dispatcher at telephone number (757) 247-7800. (5th District LNM 43)

Annapolis Oyster Reef:
             Mariners are advised that Corman Marine Construction, Inc. is scheduled to conduct an oyster reef building project in the Severn River at Annapolis, MD from October 26, 2009 through December 31, 2009. The reefs will be constructed at four sites located between the Naval Academy (SR-450) Bridge and the Severn River (US-50/301) Bridge. The expected work will be conducted Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Two barge-mounted cranes, one owned by Corman Marine Construction and the other by Langenfelder Marine Inc., will used to place stone, sl*g, concrete and shell material into the water. The material will be delivered to the sites by various-sized barges. All on site communications for the project should go through either the Tug IRELAND or the M/V ELIZABETH on marine band radio channel 13 VHF/FM. (5th District LNM 43)

Herring Bay Dredging:
             Dredging operations will be conducted in the Herring Bay, Carrs Creek and Rockhold Creek until 15 February, 2010. A submerged dredge pipeline will run from the dredge site at Carrs Creek to the southern shore line at Rockhold Creek across Parker Creek. The path of the submerged pipeline is marked with lighted piles… The pipeline is buried 3 feet below the surface. The markers will be discontinued on or about 15 May, 2010… markers are on piles worded “DANGER SUBMERGED PIELINE”. (5th District LNM 43)

DC Area Test Borings:
             Mariners are advised that the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) has scheduled the drilling of geotechnical borings in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers from November 2009 through December 2009. River borings will take place at various locations along the proposed Blue Plains Tunnel. The work will be conducted from two spud barges (up to 120 feet in length) working simultaneously, one being operated by the Pristine Marine LLC towing vessel "WB50" or "Animal”, and the other by the Langenfelder Marine Inc. towing vessel “Barren Island.” All vessels will be lighted in accordance with USCG regulations. Interested mariners may contact the towing vessels via marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, or the DC WASA Project Consultants at telephone (703) 740-7088 or (202) 652-6207. (5th District LNM 43)

Rt. 90 Bridge, Assawoman Bay, Repairs Obstruct Main Channel:
             Emergency fender repair is being conducted at the Route 90 Bridge across Assawoman Bay through December, 2009. A crane barge is obstructing the main channel. All marine traffic will be directed to a marked alternate channel. The alternate channel through the bridge has approximately 65 feet horizontal and 36 feet vertical clearance with a charted depth of 8 feet MLW. Mariners are requested to contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads at 757-668-5555 if encountering any transit problems with this alternate channel or bridge. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting these areas. (5th District LNM 43)

Great Bridge Bridge Christmas Parade Closure:
             Mariners are advised that the S168 Lift Bridge (Great Bridge), at AIWW mile 12.0, across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, at Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009, to accommodate the Jaycees’ Christmas Parade event. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(g).  To avoid delays, mariners are advised to plan their trips accordingly. (5th District LNM 43)

Dredging: NC Outer Banks:
             1. ACOE Dredge FRY is conducting daylight dredging operations in Oregon Inlet Channel / Oregon Inlet and will be on site through 30 November 2009. The dredge FRY maintains bridge watch on VHF channels 13 and 16 for any concerned vessels transiting the area. CHART 12204.
             2. ACOE Dredge CURRITUCK will begin 24 hour dredging operations in the vicinity Manteo Shallowbag Bay/ Oregon Inlet from October 26 through October 31, 2009. Dredging operations will require frequent transits through Oregon Inlet Bridge. The CURRITUCK maintains bridge watch on VHF channels 13 and 16 for any concerned vessels transiting the area. Chart: 12204.
             3. ACOE Dredge CURRITUCK will begin 24 hour dredging operations at Rollinson Channel, Hatteras NC on 01 November for approximately 30 days. Dredging operations will require frequent transits through Hatteras Inlet. The CURRITUCK maintains bridge watch on VHF channels 13 and 16 for any concerned vessels transiting the area. (5th District LNM 43)

Cape Lookout Light Temporarily Discontinued:
             Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard will temporarily discontinue Cape Lookout Light for scheduled maintenance. Cape Lookout Light will be extinguished from 4 p.m. October 31, 2009 to 6 p.m. November 1, 2009. (5th District LNM 43)

NC Bridge Closures for Triathlon:
             To accommodate “Beach to Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon” scheduled for Saturday November 7, 2009, mainers are advised that the Coast Guard has issued temporary deviations from regulations governing the operation of two North Carolina Department of Transportation drawbridges: the S.R.74 Bridge across the AIWW mile 283.1 at Wrightsville Beach, NC; and the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, at mile 1.0 across Northeast Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC. To facilitate the race, the drawbridges will be maintained in the closed position at the following times: the Wrightsville Brach, S.R. 74 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; and the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, U.S.17/S.R.133, from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Mariners able to pass under the closed spans (Wrightsville Beach Bridge, 20 feet MHW; and Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, 26 feet MHW) may do so, and should adjust their transits accordingly. (5th District LNM 43)

Dredging in Snows Cut
             The Dredge WILCO will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at Snow Cut from 19 October until 07 December, 2009. The dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARY, AMITY and ANN KAY may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. A floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline will traverse the limits of Snows cut Channel northerly and adjacent to the Lower and Upper Lilliput Channels and carry dredge material to the ACOE Disposal Area 10. (5th District LNM 43)
          
Cape Fear River Entrance Dredging:
             The Dredge CHARLESTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Atlantic Ocean near Baldhead Island from 15 October, 2009, until 31 March, 2010. Dredging will be performed on the southern end of Jay Bird Shoal west of the Baldhead Shoal Channel in the vicinity of the Cape Fear River Entrance. A submerged pipeline will be placed from the dredging area across the Baldhead Shoal Channel at Cape Fear River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 11 and Cape Fear River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 12. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. It is requested that all traffic call 30 minutes prior to the expected time of passage. (5th District LNM 43)

USCG Seventh District
Coastal Waters from Little River, South Carolina to Panama City, Florida

Charleston Off-Shore Safety Zone:
             Due to safe removal of an underwater obstruction in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston, SC, a temporary safety zone will be enforced within a 2 NM radius from the center of the underwater obstruction removal site at approximate position 32 deg 50.00N 079 deg 20.00W. This safety zone is effective immediately until approximate completion on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. No one may enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Captain of the Port Charleston or his designated representative. Mariners are encouraged to listen to the Broadcast Notice to Mariners for updates on VHF Channel 16. Coast Guard Sector Charleston will broadcast the implementation and rescission of the Underwater Obstruction Removal Safety Zone. Updates to the schedule are dependent on weather and will be made to this Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), as necessary. For further information contact the Sector Charleston Command Duty Officer at (843) 740-7050, PCL at (843) 224-1096 or Ms. Kim Partenheimer of PM Americas at (843) 972-1775. For Coast Guard issues please contact the Coast Guard’s twenty-four (24) hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050. (7th District LNM 43)

St. Johns River Light to be Discontinued:
             Permanently discontinue St Johns Light (LLNR 575). All comments should be addressed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 S.E. 1st Ave (STE 406) Brickell Plaza Federal Bldg Miami, Fl 33131 to be received by 10 December 2009. (7th District LNM 43)

Sea and Sky Spectacular, Jax Area:
             On November 6 -8, 2009, the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, Florida will host the Sea and Sky Spectacular. The following seven (7) temporary unlit buoys (Security orange mooring balls) were established in the approximate positions:
A. 30-17-09.846N 081-22-53.135W
B. 30-17-08.850N 081-22-59.480W
C. 30-15-55.320N 081-22-41.067W
D. 30-15-57.898N 081-22-24.221W
E. 30-17-41.587N 081-22-45.692W
F. 30-18-38.202N 081-23-14.813W
G. 30-18-40.780N 081-22-57.995W
For further information or concerns please contact Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at (904) 564-7565. (7th District LNM 43)

North Florida ICW Dredging:
             Cottrell Contracting Corporation has advised that maintenance dredging will commence in the vicinity of Pablo Creek Light 49 (LLNR 38617), and proceed south for approximately two (2) miles in the Intracoastal Waterway, St. Johns River, Florida, on or about November 1, 2009. The dredge LEXINGTON will be onscene and monitoring VHF Channels 13 and 16, with related work barges and boats. This operations will be on a continuous twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) days per week basis until completed on or about January 15, 2010. For further information please contact Mr. Justyna M. Chuchro at (757) 547-9611. (7th District LNM 43)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:
             On October 28, 2009 the lake level was reported at 14.11 feet. You can check the daily lake level at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Engineering/Branches /WaterResources/WaterMgt/DOCS/Reports/r-oke.html .
            
Dodge Island Turbidity Curtain:
             All mariners are advised that due to seawall construction upgrades on the south side of Dodge Island, Miami, Florida, there will be a Turbidity Curtain installed. The Curtain will extend into the Dodge Island Cut approximately 120-150 feet south from the existing rip rap…Three (3) temporary Turbidity Pilings approximately 10-12 feet in height will be equipped with amber strobe lights. The construction upgrades will be completed on or about June 30, 2010. Mariners transiting Fishermans Channel are urged to be on the lookout and steer clear of the piling and  curtains. If you have any further questions please contact Mr. Frederick P. Wong at (305) 329-4058 or (305) 310-0988. (7th District LNM 43)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 43
             Max Brewer Bridge, Mile 878.9: AKA Titusville Bridge, is being replaced with a high level bridge. Construction began May 11, 2009 and will continue through April, 2011.
             8:00 a.m. November 1-- 5:00 p.m. November 30, 2009: The west channel of the swing bridge will be closed. The east channel is open with no restrictions.
             8:00 a.m. December 1—5:00 p.m. December 31, 2009: The east channel of the swing bridge will be closed. The west channel is open with no restrictions.   Marine interests should contact Lane Construction at 321 607 5700 for additional information on construction schedules.
             Parker Boulevard Bridge, Mile 1013: Starting mid-November will be on single leaf operations. Double leaf operations will be available with a two hour notice.             
             Atlantic Avenue Bridge, Mile 1056: Starting mid-November will be on single leaf operations. Double leaf operations will be available with a two hour notice.             
             SW 11th Avenue Bridge, North Fork, New River, Ft. Lauderdale: Under repair until January 2010, but will be operational, except for two 24-hour closure periods. The first 24-hour closure will be January 14, 2010.   
             Bakers Haulover Bridge, North Miami Beach (Not on the ICW): The fender system on this bridge will be replaced between April 12 and December 7, 2009. A barge and floating equipment will be in the vicinity and at times will be restricting the navigable channel.
             5th Street Bridge, Miami River, Mile 1.5 (Not on the ICW): Work continues.
             Cortez Bridge: Worth Contracting has advised this office that the Cortez Bridge, mile 84.6, Cortez, Florida will be on single-leaf operations from September 14 through December 31, 2009. A double-leaf opening is available with a two hour notice to the bridge tender.
             Dunedin Causeway Bridge: Single-leaf operation from Sept.8, 2009 through Feb. 28, 2010. A double-leaf opening will be available with a 3-hour notice to the bridge tender. Scaffolding will reduce the vertical clearance of the down span by five feet.

Gordon Pass, SW Florida Dredging:
             Caldwell Marine International, LLC, will commence dredging operations in Gordon Pass, Colliers County, Naples, Florida on or about November 3, 2009. This project will begin at the mouth of Gordon Pass and end at Cuts 3 and Cut 4.
The dredge ELLIOT 370 will be on scene with three (3) workboats and monitoring Marine Channel 16 VHF. Submerged and floating pipelines will be positioned along the channels’ edge and visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. Dredging operations will be continuous twenty-four (24) per day and seven (7) days per week until completion on or about January 2, 2010. For further information please contact Mr. Wes Gammons at (561) 644-7486 or Mr. Brian Markle at (561) 313-5021. (7th District LNM 43)

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change.  Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to this use.

Posted: 31 October 2009 at 9:14am | IP Logged

Two Announcements on Bridge Closures and Restrictions just came in:

From the USCG 5^th District Bridge Branch Chief:

NEW JERSEY INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (NJICW) - LITTLE EGG HARBOR TO CAPE MAY – INSIDE THOROFARE

TO PERFORM URGENT MECHANICAL REPAIRS, MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE AMTRAK NEW JERSEY TRANSIT RAIL OPERATIONS AUTOMATED RAILROAD BRIDGE (AT NJICW MILE 68.9) ACROSS BEACH THOROFARE AT ATLANTIC CITY WILL BE CLOSED TO VESSELS REQUIRING AN OPENING ON THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:

         EACH DAY BEGINNING 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON TUE 10 NOV 09 TO FRI 13 NOV 09;

         FROM 7 AM ON SAT 14 NOV 09 THROUGH 3 PM ON MON 16 NOV 09;    AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON TUES 17 NOV 09.

         AT ALL OTHER TIMES THE DRAWBRIDGE WILL OPERATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPERATING REGULATIONS SET OUT IN TITLE 33 CODE OF FEDERAL REGUALTIONS PART 117.997(D).

         THE AVAILABLE VERTICAL CLEARANCE IN THE CLOSED POSITION IS APPROX FIVE FEET ABOVE MHW.  MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR TRANSITS ACCORDINGLY AND USE EXTREME CAUTION.

From the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project:

St Augustine, Florida, Mile 777.9

The restrictions listed below will only be used on an as-needed basis, so they may not be used every day for which they are scheduled. Please contact (904) 825-3647 or (904) 669-1165 the day before traveling through the area to check if the restrictions will be used or not.

Channel Restrictions:

November 9-20, 2009 and November 30-December 22, 2009: Monday through Friday, 7:30-10:30 a.m.-- Channel restricted to 35 feet horizontal clearance, bridge opens on schedule.

November 8-23, 2009 and November 30-December 22, 2009: Sundays through Thursdays, 9:00p.m.-7:00 a.m.—Channel closed to all marine traffic opening only for declared emergencies.

These restrictions/closures have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.   

Mel and Tom         

Posted: 16 November 2009 at 10:55am | IP Logged

November Nor'easter Update 

Great Bridge Lock Closed:

          The Great Bridge Lock, Mile 11.3, Virginia Cut, is currently closed until further notice due to damage from high water during the November Nor’easter. It is reported that there was 7-8 feet of water flooding from the Southern Branch side, and there is damage to both electrical controls and to valves. It is unknown now when it will be open, although we understand that work is going on 24/7. We have made numerous phone calls all morning and are unable to obtain any definitive information as to the progress of the repairs. Radio and phone at the lock are both down. The Coast Guard is broadcasting hourly updates.  

Dismal Swamp Route Open:

          We had read that the Dismal Swamp Canal Route was closed due to some trees down. However, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center reported this morning (Monday, Nov. 16) that the trees are cleaned up and the canal is open with four lockings as usual.

 Mel and Tom

Posted: 16 November 2009 at 12:14pm | IP Logged

The Great Bridge Lock just opened (noon,November 16) and is under normal operation.

Mel and Tom