Severe Beaufort SC Bridge Restrictions

[Kokomo]

Press Release

Date: May 1, 2007

Contact:
Lt. Cmdr. Eric King
(843) 724-7616

Additional Modifications to Lady's Island Swing Bridge Operating Hours

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- The Coast Guard has approved further temporary amendments to the opening schedule in federal law (33 CFR 117.911) for the Lady’s Island Swing Bridge across the Beaufort River, Mile 536.0, Beaufort, starting at 4 p.m. today.

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.

General opening requirements:

1. The bridge 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, when the bridge operator is informed by a reliable source that an emergency vehicle is due to cross the draw, the bridge operator shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives at the bridge.

On Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays:

1. The bridge need not open during the following hours:
5:30 a.m. --10:14 a.m.
10:30 a.m. -- 2:14 p.m.
2:30 p.m. -- 7:59 p.m.

2. The bridge will open at the following times:
5:15 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 5:00 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 bridge need not open during the following hours:
7:16 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 bridge will open at the following times:
7:00 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