East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
Bridge Update: February 26, 2008

Margate Bridge, Mile 74, New Jersey ICW Emergency Repairs:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch: Mariners are advised that emergency structural steel repairs will be performed at the Margate Bridge, at ICW mile 74.0, across Beach Thorofare in Margate, NJ. These repairs require immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation each day beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 1 until and including 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, with a work barge occupying one-half of the 58-foot wide channel under the bridge, so passage through the bridge will be limited to a 29-foot width for the duration of the project. The opposite connecting span while not under repair will continue to open for vessels with at least a half-hour advance notice given to the bridge tender at (609) 822-9175 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. Also, mariners requiring the full opening of the lift spans or the full width of the channel under the bridge will be directed to use the Atlantic Ocean as the alternate route between Absecon and Great Egg Harbor Inlets. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Figure Eight Island Swing Bridge Closure Extended:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch: Mariners are advised that the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AIWW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC, will be closed again to vessels each day from February 29, 2008, until March 11, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 a.m., from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to complete sandblasting and painting operations along with mechanical repairs. In addition, commercial vessel openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling (910) 686-0635 or via marine radio on Channel 13. (This is an extension of the earlier operating restrictions to the drawbridge that was scheduled to end on February 29, 2008.) The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet, above MHW. Also, the vertical clearance in this location is limited to 85 feet, above MHW, by the overhead power line. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

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.