Due to major construction, the Gilmerton Highway Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 35ft, which crosses the Waterway just south of Norfolk at statute mile 5.8, has been under opening restrictions for over three years. This horizontal restriction notice should not affect most cruisers and is posted only for your knowledge. Many thanks to our good friend, Matt the Bridge Tender, who keeps us posted on all things Gilmerton!

I’ve attached the latest MSIB (dated Feb 6, 2015) for the Gilmerton Bridge (Chesapeake, VA ‘“ MM 5.8 on the ICWW) and I’ve also cut and pasted the same document in the text of this email for those that don’t have the appropriate software to read the attachment.
Clearance requirements in this MSIB refer to HORIZONTAL clearances in the draw. If the air draft of your vessel also requires a bridge lift – the bridge still operates in accordance with the CFR paragraph mentioned at the end of this MSIB. Gilmerton Bridge has 35 feet at MHW when closed. All bridges, locks and commercial traffic in this area monitor marine channel 13.
Matt the Bridge Tender

Commander
United States Coast Guard
Sector Hampton Roads
4000 Coast Guard Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23703
Phone: (757) 668-5555
SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS
MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

BULLETIN NO: 15/004 TEL: (757) 638-6637, FAX (757) 483-8641
DATE: February 06, 2015

Channel Restrictions at the Gilmerton Bridge

Elizabeth River Southern Branch, Chesapeake, VA
This Bulletin serves to update and supersede MSIB 15-003, released on January 23, 2015. All operations listed below are subject to change due to weather, unforeseen factors or operational contingencies.
Day Shift Operations
Please be advised that, from February 7, 2015 until September 30, 2015, PCL Civil Constructors will commence day shift structural plate welding and construction of the rubber arch fendering system. One working barge will occupy the channel from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. All vessels requiring 60 feet or more of horizontal clearance shall provide 2 hours advance notice as detailed below.
Night Shift Operations
From February 7, 2015 until March 31, 2015, PCL Civil Constructors will conduct night shift pile driving operations. Two working barges will occupy the channel from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. All vessels requiring less than 60 feet of horizontal clearance shall provide 2 hours advance notice. All vessels requiring 60 feet or more of horizontal clearance shall provide 24 hours advance notice.
From April 1, 2015 until September 30, 2015, PCL Civil Constructors will conduct night shift structural plate welding and construction of the rubber arch fendering system. One working barge will occupy the channel from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. All vessels requiring 60 feet or more of horizontal clearance shall provide 2 hours advance notice. Mariners providing such notice shall contact the bridge tender at (757) 485-5488 or via VHF Channel 13. All mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Please be advised that the Gilmerton Bridge continues to operate in accordance with the schedule set forth in 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 117.997(c).

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Bridge Directory Listing For Gilmerton Hwy Bridge

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