T&T: Lady's Island Swing Bridge-Beaufort SC, Mile 536.0

[Ted Stehle]

The latest notice from the Coast Guard:

U. S. Department of Homeland Security

U. S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston

Marine Safety Information Bulletin



MSIB 19-07
May 1, 2007
ADDITIONAL MODIFICATIONS TO OPERATING HOURS:

LADY'S ISLAND SWING BRIDGE BEAUFORT, SC



Effective 16:00 on May 1, 2007 the Coast Guard has approved further temporary
amendments to the opening schedule in 33 CFR 117.911 for the Lady's Island
Swing Bridge across the Beaufort River, Mile 536.0, Beaufort, SC.  These
amendments have been put in place to alleviate landside traffic congestion and
address emergency management issues while still allowing for waterside safety
and commerce.  These amendments will be reevaluated frequently and updates
published as information changes.  We appreciate the cooperation we've
received from boaters and mariners to adjust their schedules during this
period.

General opening requirements:

  1.. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.911, the draw shall open on signal to:
A.     Tugs with tows (e.g. pushing or pulling equipment); and

B.     Vessels in a situation where a delay would endanger life or property.

  2.. As a reminder, in accordance with 33 CFR 117.31, the drawtender will
take all reasonable measures to have the draw closed for approaching emergency
vehicles.
On Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays:

  1.. The draw need not open during the following hours:
05:30 a.m - 10:14 a.m.

10:30 a.m - 2:14.m.

2:30 p.m. - 7:59 p.m.

  2.. The draw will open at the following times:
05:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m., & 8:00 p.m.

  3.. During the night, the bridge will open on the hour, with the exception
that no opening will occur at 05:00 a.m. on weekdays.
Note: Per the general opening regulations, the draw shall open on signal to
tugs pushing or pulling tows throughout the day.  Recreational boaters are
reminded to stay out of the way of tugs and tows lining up to maneuver through
the bridge.  Recreational boaters that pass through a bridge opening with a
tug and tow, shall pass behind the tug and tow in order to ensure safe transit
through the bridge.

On Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays:

  1.. The draw need not open during the following hours:
07:16 a.m - 9:59 a.m.

10:16 a.m - 12:59 p.m.

1:16 p.m. - 3:59 p.m.

4:16 p.m. - 6:59 p.m.

  2.. The draw will open at the following times:
07:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

  3.. During the night, the bridge will open on the hour, with the exception
that no opening will occur at 05:00 a.m. on weekdays.
If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact my
representative, Lieutenant Calvin Summers, at (843) 720-3273.  If you have any
safety concerns, please contact the Coast Guard's 24 hour operation center on
VHF Channel 16 or via phone at 843 724 7616.

              /s/

                                                                        J. W.
MAUGER

                                                                        Lieut
enant Commander, U. S. Coast Guard

                                                                        Preve
ntion Department Head

                                                                        Charl
eston, South Carolina