Sector Virginia
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

(757) 374-3408
VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil

MSIB 296-24

December 30, 2024

Elizabeth River – Belt Line Bridge Deviation –

Revised Request for Public Comment

**This MSIB replaces MSIB 294-24**

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public comment on an updated proposed bridge deviation of the Belt Line Bridge over the Elizabeth River Southern Branch, at mile marker 2.6, in Portsmouth, VA to facilitate powered rail replacement. The work is intended to be conducted throughout the entire day to minimize effects on the marine transportation system (MTS). The work requires the bridge to be maintained in the closed to marine navigation position. Mariners able to transit the bridge in the closed position would be able to do so at any time.

Revised Proposed Dates/Times:

5:00 PM Friday January 17, 2025, through 5:00 PM Sunday January 19, 2025, closed to marine navigation except for 1-hour openings every 4-hours during this time. The bridge would be able to open for an emergency during this time with 30-minute notice.

The bridge would open upon a vessel master’s signal, for a scheduled opening every 4-hours, from 10:00 PM Friday, January 17, 2025, through 2:00 PM Sunday, January 19, 2025. If no communication is received for a 4-hour cycle opening, maintenance work would continue and thus reduce the total duration of effect on the MTS.  

A subsequent update on a second-phase of required maintenance, referenced in MSIB 294-24 with impacts on the marine transportation system, is anticipated at a later date.

At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in 33CFR117.997(a).

Please provide comments by close of business on Friday, January 3, 2025, to the US Coast Guard Waterways Management Division via email at VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil. 

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