East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
May 02, 2007

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:

• Tugs with tows (e.g. pushing or pulling equipment); and
• Vessels in a situation where a delay would endanger life or property.

1. 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.

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 that use.