With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge is the third ICW RR bridge south of Mile Zero. The one-hour openings would require careful planning. Comment before Dec 28. Our thanks to Matt the Bridge Tender for this MSIB.

Sector Virginia Marine Safety Information Bulletin  

(757) 374-3408 VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil 

MSIB 20-409 

December 15, 2020   

Elizabeth River – Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge – Proposed Repairs   

The Coast Guard requests comment and feedback on the following proposal from Norfolk Southern Railroad to conduct structural repairs on the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, mile 5.8, at Chesapeake, VA. 

The proposal would allow the bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position during the following periods: 

January 2021 

• Monday, January 11, 2021: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Tuesday-Wednesday, January 12-13, 2021: 6 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Thursday, January 14, 2021: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

March 2021 

• Monday, March 15, 2021 through Wednesday, March 31, 2021: Each Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is 7 feet above mean high water.  Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position would be able to do so at any time.  The bridge would be able to open for emergencies if at least a 1-hour notice is given, coordinated through the Coast Guard. At all other times, the bridge will operate per 33 CFR 117.997(d).  If approved, mariners should adjust their transits accordingly and use extreme caution when transiting the area. 

If approved, this information will be included in the Local Notice to Mariners for the 5th District. 

Please provide any comments or feedback to the United States Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division by email at VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil. Comments are requested by Monday, December 28, 2020. 

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V/R,

Matt, Gilmerton Bridge Tender