| #: S11-08 |
| Release date: November 28, 2003 |
| Contact: Petty Officer DeMarino |
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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY |
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Coast Guard establishes a temporary Regulated Navigation Area regulation for waters under span “A” of the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge |
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The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Tampa, Florida established a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) today in the vicinity of the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge to minimize the risk of potential bridge allisions by vessels utilizing the main channel under span “A” (bascule portion) of the bridge and enhance the safety of vessels transiting the area and vehicles crossing over the bridge. This action was taken following the Nov. 18 declaration by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners of a state of emergency in regards to the replacement of the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge, span “A.” The transportation emergency finding was that the conditions of that portion of the bridge posed an immediate threat to the safety of the traveling public. The RNA establishes navigational controls on vessels using the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge, span “A” channel.
A violation of the RNA could result in a fine of up to $27,500. The RNA will be published as a temporary regulation in the Federal Register and will be announced to the affected waterway users by means of a radio Broadcast Notice to Mariners. The Broadcast Notice to Mariners will also warn marine traffic of the potential for falling debris under the bridge. This temporary rule is effective until November 28, 2004, but the Coast Guard may change this rule in the interim based on its continuing evaluation of the situation and any comments received from the public. Questions regarding the condition of the bridge should be addressed to the Lee County Department of Transportation. Questions regarding bridge permitting issues should be addressed to esmart@d7.uscg.mil or E. Smart at (305) 415-6753. -USCG-
The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the |
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