SEC VA MSIB 398-21 - Elizabeth River - Belt Line Railroad Bridge - Bridge Deviation

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/22/2021 08:52 AM EDT

united states coast guard

Sector Virginia
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

(757) 374-3408
VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil

MSIB 398-21

Oct 22, 2021

 

Elizabeth River - Belt Line Railroad Bridge - Bridge Deviation

 

The Coast Guard has approved a request from the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad for temporary deviation on the Belt Line Railroad Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, mile 2.6, at Portsmouth, VA. 

To facilitate the maintenance, the bridge owner is proposing the bridge be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a mid-morning scheduled opening at 10:30 a.m. and a mid-afternoon opening at 2:30 p.m. on the following day(s):

  • Thursday, November 18th.
  • Tuesday, November 16th. (alternative if forecasted weather makes the 18th unfavorable)

At all other times, the bridge will operate as required by regulations. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is 6 feet above mean high water. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will open on signal for emergency vessels as defined in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations 117.31, if at least 30 minutes notice is given. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area.

For any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please contact the United States Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division duty officer at 757-374-3408 or by email at VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil.