East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
April 30, 2009

Norfolk Area Bridge Closures--Sunday, May 3:
            Jordan Bridge:
The Captain of the Port of Hampton Roads advises all mariners that the removal of the center span of the Jordan Bridge will require a waterway closure for up to 72 hours from the Beltline Railroad Bridge (AIWW mile 2.6) to the Norfolk and Western Railroad Bridge (AIWW mile 3.6) on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River beginning at 05:30 A.M. on 03 May, 2009. No vessel traffic will be permitted to transit this waterway without prior consent from the Captain of the Port or his representative. The waterway will be closed until completion of the lift span removal operation. This closure will affect any vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). The Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center may be contacted at (757) 668-5555 for further information.    
           DATES: May 3, 2009 through May 6, 2009, with contingency dates of May 18, 2009 through May 21, 2009 in the event of adverse weather conditions.
            Gilmerton Railroad Bridge:
Mariners are advised that the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels to complete structural repairs beginning at 5 a.m. until and including 11 p.m. each Sunday on May 3 and May 10, 2009. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(e). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)*

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

Bridge of Lions — Closed AGAIN: (Updated May 4, 2009)
            Mile 777.9: May 4--May 9, 2009.
All channel closures originally planned at the Bridge of Lions temporary bridge in St. Augustine through 5/9/2009 have been cancelled, and the bridge is currently operating on its normal schedule.
WARNING NOTICE TO MARINERS:  The fender system which protects vessels and the bridge is currently under construction.  Proceed with caution when passing through the channel at the Bridge of Lions. These closures have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Questions? Call (904) 825-3647 or (904) 669-1165

Okeechobee Waterway Lockage Restrictions Update:
            The USACE Jacksonville has issued a Notice to Navigation Interests regarding the lock opening schedule for the St. Lucie and W.P. Franklin Locks in the Okeechobee Waterway, effective April 20, 2009. This schedule essentially provides for current and future restrictions, based on the Lake Level (in feet). As the lake level changes, so may the lock schedule, without notice, so don’t be surprised if the schedule changes suddenly. Following is the table to be used for determining the lock schedule.

Check for details at  http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/Branches/Navigation/DOCS/NavBulletins/2009/ntn20090413.pdf

To determine the current Lake Level (Elevation), check:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Engineering/Branches/WaterResources/WaterMgt/DOCS/Reports/r-oke.html

When I checked today, April 30, 2009, it said that the Lake Level was NR (Not Reported) for April 28 and 29, however the level for April 27 was 11.29 feet. This puts the schedule in the “3 Lockages per day” category for now at St. Lucie and W.P. Franklin Locks. I found other relevant information in the following article:

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Everglades/Branches/ProjectExe/Sections/UECKLO/LakeOWatch/index.shtml

New Funding for Atlantic ICW Dredging:
            The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides money for the following USACE Districts. The money is to be used for maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, including some much needed dredging in Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina:
Norfolk: $1,750,000
Wilmington: $4,400,000
Charleston: $4,000,000
Savannah: $5,900,000
Jacksonville: $6,175,000
For details check http://www.usace.army.mil/recovery/Pages/Projects.aspx and click Operations and Maintenance. (From the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association).

Boston Approach Markers to be Relocated:
            In conjunction with the revision to the Boston Approach Traffic Separation schedule to be completed on or about 1 June 2009, the following aids will be relocated shoreward approximately 1 NM to the west:
            RELOCATE Traffic Separation Scheme buoys
Boston Approach LB BA to (PA) 40-48.953N 069-00.635W
Boston Approach LB BB to (PA) 41-15.320N 069-18.313W
Boston Approach LB BC to (PA) 41-41.404N 069-35.963W
Boston Approach LB BD to (PA) 42-18.280N 070-01.140W
            RELOCATE Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Right Whale Detection Buoys:
AB-08 to (PA) 42-13.835N 069-58.052W
AB-09 to (PA) 42-09.388N 069-54.971W
AB-10 to (PA) 42-04.940N 069-51.898W
            (USCG First District LNM 16)

New Sakonnet River Channel:
            The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway OOA 13 May 09;
Establish Sakonnet River Bridge Construction Channel:
Buoy 15A in position 41 38 11.000N, 071 12 52.000W
Buoy 15B in position 41 38 14.000N, 071 12 50.000W
Buoy 15C in position 41 38 21.000N, 071 12 48.000W
Buoy 16A in position 41 38 11.000N, 071 12 49.000W
Buoy 16B in position 41 38 14.000N, 071 12 48.000W
Buoy 16C in position 41 38 21.000N, 071 12 47.000W
            All positions are approximate until the aids are established. (USCG First District LNM 16)

Block Island Markers:
            The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to this waterway:
DISESTABLISH Southeast Point Buoy 1
DISESTABLISH Block Island Old Harbor Point Buoy 3
Interested mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through their organization. All comments shall be carefully considered and are requested prior to 08 May 2009 to facilitate the process. Refer to Project No. 01-09-035and 01- 09-036 respectively. In addition to the address listed on the front cover (Commander, USCG First District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110-3350), e-mail can be sent to: Jack.J.McLaughlin@uscg.mil and faxes to (617) 223-8073. (USCG First District LNM 16)

Fire Island Inlet Info:
            Dredging is being done from Fire Island Inlet to Davis Park until 25 May 2009. The hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On scene are the dredges R. N. WEEKS and B. E. LINDHOLM that are monitoring VHF-FM channel 13 & 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed. (USCG First District LNM 16)
           
Harlem River Test Borings at Lift Bridge:
            Warren George Inc. will be taking 3 test borings in the Harlem River adjacent to the Broadway Lift Bridge (mile 6.8) from April 27 – May 29, 2009. Each boring will be taken from the 58’ SANDY G. Each boring will be taken between Monday and Friday, from 0700-1900. Each boring is expected to take about 3 to 4 days to complete. When the position of the boring vessel impedes safe navigation, the vessel will be required to clear the channel WITHIN 90 MINUTES NOTICE when requested via CH 13. The boring vessel will notify VTS NY on VHF CH 14 fifteen minutes prior to arriving on scene at each boring location. No boring will be authorized if visibility is less than one nautical mile. The Warren George point of contact is Mr. Albert Huftalen at 917.805.8631. Vessels with concerns about the boring location within the channel should immediately notify VTS New York via CH 11, Phone: 718.354.4088, or e-mail: D01-SMB-VTS-WatchOfficer@uscg.mil. (USCG First District LNM 16)

Elizabeth, NJ Dredging:
            Dredging is being done in Elizabeth Channel until 15 January 2010. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene are the dredges DELAWARE BAY & J. P. BOISSEAU, tugs MARY ALICE & PAUL ANDREW, launch boat MATTHEW SCOTT and scows. (USCG First District LNM 16)

New Bridge Schedule, NJICW:
Effective May 14, 2009,the Coast Guard is changing the drawbridge operation regulations of the Route 30 Bridge, at ICW mile 67.2, across Beach Thorofare at Atlantic City, NJ. This will allow the drawbridge to open on signal every hour during high transit periods in the summer months (April 1 through October 31 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and to operate on an advance notice basis at all other times (four hours notice). The change will result in more efficient use of the bridge. (USCG 5th District Bridge Branch)

Delaware Dredging for Beaches:
            The Dredge B. E. LINDHOLM will be conducting beach nourishment at Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach, DE from 01 May until 25 June, 2009. A submerged pipeline will be run from Dewey Beach to a pump out mono-buoy located at 38-41-30N, 075-03-50W. All mariners are requested to use extreme caution and transit the area at a slow speed with NO WAKE. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)

Fairlee Creek, Upper Chesapeake Bay:
            Cruisers and locals report that at the entrance to Fairlee Creek on the Maryland Eastern Shore, beyond the first marker, red “2F”, there are no green markers on station and that the one red nun at the creek entrance is way off station (too close to the beach). Check for local knowledge if you are cruising there.

Rocket Launch, Wallops Island, VA:
            A rocket launch is scheduled in the vicinity of Wallops Island, VA from 05 May until 19 May, 2009. Prior to the launch a visual signal consisting of a large orange blimp shaped balloon and during evening hours displaying a rotating red and white beacon, will be flown from the launch facility indicating rocket launch activities are taking place. This visual signal will be displayed 30 minutes prior to the launch. While this signal is displayed, all persons and vessels in the Danger zone shall immediately leave the zone and remain outside of the zone until allowed by the patrol boat to reenter or the danger signal has been discontinued. All outbound traffic from Chincoteague Inlet, Gargathy Inlet, and Metompkin Inlet and Bay will be restricted from entering the Danger Zone until the launch is complete and the Danger Zone has been cleared for reentry. The Danger Zone encompasses the following coordinates: 37-52-31N, 075-28-01W, thence to 37-39-14N, 075-36-00W, thence to 36-36-11N, 072-00-54W, thence to 37-06-24N, 071-46-21W, thence to 37-53-05N, 075-11-19W, thence to the Wallops Island shoreline. Mariners may contact Wallops Island on VHF-FM 12 and 19 or at 757-824-2050 for launch update. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)

Hampton Roads Construction:
            Weeks Marine is conducting construction operations in the Newport News Middle Ground, south of the Newport News Channel. Weeks Marine Barges 271 and 96 are moored in position 36-57.09N, 076-23.35W. The 4-point anchor wires will span across the charted fairway for Shallow Draft Vessels with anchors in positions 36-57.21N, 076-23.55W, 36-57.22N, 076-23.31W, 36-56.92N, 076-23.06W and 36-56.88N, 076-23-41W. The anchors will be marked with yellow buoys showing a slow flashing yellow light characteristic. The barges will monitor VHF-FM Channels 06 and 13. All mariners are advised to transit with caution and avoid transiting between the anchor buoys and the barges.
            The Dredge MOBRO 112 will be conducting dredging operations along the face of the bulkhead and entrance channel at Portsmouth Marine Terminal from 04 May until 20 May, 2009. The dredge will monitor 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. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)

Oregon Inlet, NC, Bridge Repair:
            The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary REGULATED NAVIGATION AREA on the waters of Oregon Inlet for repair work to the existing fender system of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge. The REGULATED NAVIGATION AREA encompasses the area of the main navigational channel fendered span of the bridge. All vessels of 100 gross tons and greater are not permitted to transit the waterway unless the vessel obtains permission from Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District or his representative. Permission for transit may be obtained by contacting Coast Guard Sector North Carolina at (252)- 247-2570 or via VHF-FM Channel 16. Vessels of less than 100 gross tons will be permitted to transit the fendered span of the navigational channel at all times. Mariners are reminded that the fendered span of the bridge is the only recommended route for transiting under the bridge. Passing through any unfendered span presents a hazard to the vessel and the bridge. Alternate routes for any vessel into Pamlico Sound are Hatteras Inlet, Beaufort Inlet, or through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). This REGULATED NAVIGATION AREA will be enforced from 08:00 A.M. 16 April, 2009, through 05:00 P.M. 05 June, 2009. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)

North Carolina Shoaling (NOT on the ICW):
            Oregon Inlet Area: Shoaling to a depth of 4.0 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Walter Slough Daybeacon 9 (LLNR 28265) and Walter Slough Daybeacon 10. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states.
            Ocracoke: Shoaling to a depth of 2.0ft MLW has been reported between Big Foot Slough Daybeacon 9 and Big Foot Slough Daybeacon 9A. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area.
            Atlantic Beach: Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Causeway Channel Buoy 5A. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (USCG 5th District LNM 17)

Ben Sawyer Bridge, Mile 462.2 Repairs:
            This bridge was severely damaged 20 years ago during Hurricane Hugo, and the swing span should have been replaced then. The USCG 7th District LNM 17 states that that the swing span of the Ben Sawyer Bridge will be replaced between March and November, 2009 and there may be slight delays in opening. These delays will be announced in MSIBs from Coast Guard Charleston. When we passed on April 17, there was construction equipment in place on both sides of the ICW, but we experienced no delays.

Research Buoy Deployed off Charleston:
            South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has deployed one (1) research buoy 2.6 NM southeast of the north end of Morris Island, outside of the Charleston Jetties and seaward of Dynamite Cut, in approxiamate position 32-43-01.308N 079-50-16.525W. The offshore location is necessary to ensure salinity levels that sea turtles naturally encounter. A 2'X3' PVC grid containing samples of sea turtle carapace, slate, and plexiglas will be attached to the buoy using 2-3 feet of Iceline rope. The buoy will remain on station until approximately October 31, 2009. For further information please contact Mr. DuBose Griffin at (840) 953-9016. (USCG 7th District LNM 17)

St. Lucie Jetty Rehabilitation:
            J.E. McAmis, Inc., has advised that the St Lucie Inlet North Jetty Rehabilitation project has commenced in the St Lucie Inlet, Martin County, Florida, north of the Federal Channel on the north side. The tugboat REGINA T, ramp barge: MOBRO (126x45x7) and crew boat with floating dock will be on scene. VHF Channels 13 and 16 will be monitored during this operation which will be ongoing twenty-four (24) per day, seven (7) days per week, with completion date on or about August 31, 2009. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area and transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangement have been made.Circumstances that warrant specific maritime precautions shall be handled on a case by case basis in coordination with the local U.S. Coast Guard representatives. For further information please contact Ms. Patty Gillett at (561) 723-0588. (USCG 7th District LNM 17)

Two Waterway Analyses, South Florida:
            The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study of the Miami Harbor /Main Ship Channel/Fisherman’s Channel. The study focuses on the area’s aid to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, communication capabilities and future development projects. Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in a user survey should contact the Coast Guard by 03 June 2009.Contact information: Commander, Sector Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, Attn: CWO2 Martin Bridges at (305) 535-4311. E-mail to Martin.A.Bridges@uscg.mil.
            The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study of the Lake Worth Inlet Main Channel and Turning Basin. The study focuses on the area’s aid to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, communication capabilities and future development projects. Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in a user survey should contact the Coast Guard by June 3, 2009. Contact information: Commander, Sector Miami 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, Attn: BM1 K.C. Thomas at (305) 535-4317. Email to Kenneth.C.Thomas@uscg.mil. (USCG 7th District LNM 17)

Summer Lock Closures for Maintenance in Okeechobee Waterway:
            Recent Notices to Navigation Interests from the USACE Jacksonville District (Dates are tentative):

1. The WP Franklin Lock will be closed for installation of a Manatee Protection System starting on July 6 and reopening on August 26, 2009.
2. The Moore Haven Lock will be closed for major maintenance from June 8 to September 3, 2009.

Helos, Divers and RHIBs Offshore Testing Ops Hazard, South Florida:
            Lockheed Martin will be conducting offshore testing with support vessels from Sea Tow of Palm Beach, between the Lake Worth and Boynton Inlets, one (1) to five (5) miles offshore on or about April 15, 2009, with completion date on or about May 15, 2009. First phase testing on or about April 15, 2009, will consist of helicopter operations conducting drop tests and these tests will be considered a hazard to navigation. Divers and RHIB boats will be conducting safety, savage and recovery operations. During the second half of April and the beginning of May, testing will include anchored float balls with strobe lights, which will be monitored 24/7 by Lockheed Martin. The M/V Richard Becker and Sea Tow of Palm Beach will be the support vessels on scene for this event. During the evening hours the float balls will present a hazard to navigation due to reduced visibility and any heavy sea states. For further information please contact Mr. Donny Jones at (561) 494-2245 (comm) or (561) 262-3833 (cell). (USCG 7th District LNM 17)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 17:           
             Bridge of Lions, Mile 777.9: See above for new week of closure. Closed: April 27 through May 2, 2009 beneath the Bridge of Lions and adjacent temporary bridge. The channel will be completely closed 7:00 am to 9:00 p.m. for each day at the Bridge of Lions temporary bridge in St. Augustine. Only U.S. Coast Guard vessels and declared emergencies will be permitted to travel through the channel during the closure, and openings for these circumstances will necessitate 1-2 hours notice. These closures have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call (904) 825-3647 or (904) 669-1165 for further information.
            NASA Railroad Bridge (Mile 876.6): Due to repairs, this bridge will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, March 16-June 30, 2009.         
Max Brewer Bridge, Mile 878.9: AKA Titusville Bridge will be replaced with a high level bridge. Construction will begin May 11, 2009 and continue through April, 2011. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville will broadcast Notices to Mariners regarding restrictions as needed.
            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.
            East Venetian Causeway (Not on the ICW): (across the Miami Beach Channel) This bridge will be under repairs for around 45 days, beginning May 1, 2009. The channel will be closed and no vessels except emergency vessels may pass during the repair period.  
            Blackburn Point Swingbridge, GIWW Mile 63.1, Sarasota: This bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from May 18-June 18, 2009, but will be open for marine traffic. In the event of a hurricane it will close as quickly as possible and remain closed for up to two days after the storm.

Shoaling Reported in Southwest Florida:
            FL West Coast Venice Inlet Shoaling is reported for the width of the channel between Venice Inlet-Siesta Key Light 4 and Venice Inlet-Siesta Key Light 5. Reported depths are between 4-8 feet.
            Big Marcos Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 67 at a depth of 4.1 ft to 5.5 feet at MLW, extending 100 yds south of Big Marcos Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 71, reported depth 4.5 ft to 5.5 ft, and extending 50 yds south of Big Marcos Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 31 at a depth of 3.5 to 4.5 ft at MLW). (USCG 7th District LNM 17)

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.