Rule2025-12540
Regulated Navigation Area and Safety Zone; Hampton River, Hampton, NH
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 7, 2025
Effective
July 7, 2025
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary regulated navigation area and a safety zone on the Hampton River at the inlet to Hampton Harbor, Hampton, NH, in response to hazardous conditions created by construction activities for the Neil R. Underwood Seabrook- Hampton Harbor Bridge replacement project. The RNA will establish a speed restriction and a traffic pattern. The safety zone, when enforced, will prohibit all vessel traffic from transiting through or operating within 50 yards of the bridge(s) center span navigational channel. This rule is necessary to provide for the safety of life in the areas undergoing demolition and construction.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 127 (Monday, July 7, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 127 (Monday, July 7, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29728-29734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12540]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG-2025-0389]
RIN 1625-AA00
Regulated Navigation Area and Safety Zone; Hampton River,
Hampton, NH
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Temporary interim rule and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary regulated
navigation area and a safety zone on the Hampton River at the inlet to
Hampton Harbor, Hampton, NH, in response to hazardous conditions
created by construction activities for the Neil R. Underwood Seabrook-
Hampton Harbor Bridge replacement project. The RNA will establish a
speed restriction and a traffic pattern. The safety zone, when
enforced, will prohibit all vessel traffic from transiting through or
operating within 50 yards of the bridge(s) center span navigational
channel. This rule is necessary to provide for the safety of life in
the areas undergoing demolition and construction.
DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from July 7, 2025
through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2030. For the purposes of
enforcement, actual notice will be used from July 1, 2025, until July
7, 2025. Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before October 6, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Although this regulation is published as an interim rule
without prior notice, public comment is nevertheless desirable to
ensure that the regulation is both workable and reasonable while the
rule remains in effect. If the Coast Guard determines on the basis of
comments submitted that changes to the temporary interim rule are
necessary, we will publish a temporary final rule, or other document,
as appropriate. You may submit comments identified by docket number
USCG-2025-0389 using the Federal Decision-Making Portal at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. See the ``Public Participation and Request for
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further
instructions on submitting comments. To view documents mentioned in
this preamble as being available in the docket, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type USCG-2025-0389 in the search box and click
[[Page 29729]]
``Search.'' Next, in the Document Type column, select ``Supporting &
Related Material.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
rulemaking, call or email Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management at
Coast Guard First District, telephone 571-607-6314, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#490a3b28202e670d67052839202c232226093c3a2a2e67242025"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a49786b636d244e24466b7a636f6061654a7f79696d24676366">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NHDOT New Hampshire Department of Transportation
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
RNA Regulated Navigation Area
Sec. Section
TIR Temporary Interim Rule
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
In 2023, the Coast Guard received notification from the New
Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) concerning the
replacement of the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge that carries NH 1A
Ocean Boulevard traffic over the Hampton River from the town of
Seabrook, NH, to the town of Hampton, NH. The project includes the
removal of the existing movable single leaf bascule span bridge and
construction of a new fixed high-level steel girder bridge built on a
new alignment approximately 60 feet west (shoreward) of the existing
bridge.
Major construction activity began earlier this year with a
temporary trestle being installed west of the new bridge location to
provide access for the new bridge construction. Once the temporary
trestle is installed, drilled shaft foundations will be installed for
the new piers. Next, cofferdams will be installed to construct the
footings for piers 1 and 6, while precast concrete forms will be
installed to construct the footings for piers 2 through 5. Once the
pier footings are constructed, the cofferdams will be removed, and the
remaining pier construction will commence. Abutments will be
constructed, followed by the superstructure. Once the new bridge is
constructed, the temporary trestle will be removed and installed east
of the old bridge to provide construction access for old bridge
removal.
Although waterway traffic will be maintained within the existing
federal navigational channel during construction and demolition
activities, some equipment barges may block half the navigation
channel. The restricted channel, along with heavy seasonal traffic and
strong tidal currents, creates a hazardous condition.
Based on the hazardous condition created by this construction, the
First Coast Guard District Commander has determined that establishment
of a temporary RNA and safety zone through rulemaking is warranted to
ensure the safety of life, property, and the environment within the
regulated area.
The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary interim rule without
prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under
section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without
prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause
finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or
contrary to the public interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast
Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a NPRM with
respect to this rule because doing so would be impracticable and
contrary to the public interest since the hazardous conditions are
being presented now. For the same justification, the Coast Guard also
finds that good cause exists to issue the rule prior to providing
notice and taking comments because it would delay promulgating a rule.
Construction to replace the Neil R. Underwood Bridge is currently
underway, creating a hazardous condition, therefore there is an urgent
need for the RNA and safety zone to protect the safety of both the
construction crew and the waterway users operating in the vicinity of
the bridge construction. An interruption of the project to accommodate
a full notice and comment period would also delay necessary operations,
result in increased costs, and postponement to the completion date of
the bridge project and subsequent reopening of the replacement to the
Neil R. Underwood Bridge for normal operations.
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register considering the hazardous
conditions created by the replacement of the bridge. Delaying the
effective date of this rule would be contrary to public interest
because immediate action is needed to respond to the hazardous
condition created by the replacement of the bridge.
Although this regulation is published as an interim rule without
prior notice, public comment is nevertheless desirable to ensure that
the regulation is both workable and reasonable. Accordingly, persons
wishing to comment may do so by submitting written comments as set out
under ADDRESSES in this preamble. Commenters should include their names
and addresses, identify the docket number for the regulation, and give
reasons for their comments. If the Coast Guard determines that changes
to the temporary interim rule are necessary, we will publish a
temporary final rule or other appropriate document.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C.
70034. The Commander of the First Coast Guard District has determined
that potential hazards associated with this bridge construction will
continue to exist through December 31, 2030, creating a safety concern
for anyone transiting the Hampton River in the vicinity of the
Seabrook-Hampton Bridge removal and replacement bridge construction
project. This rule is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the
marine environment in the navigable waters within the regulated area
while bridge replacement operations are taking place.
IV. Discussion of the Rule
This rule establishes both an RNA and, when enforced, a safety zone
from July 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2030.
First, the Coast Guard is creating a RNA, as shown in figure 1, to
include all navigable waters of the Hampton River, mile 0.0, at the
inlet to Hampton Harbor, Hampton, NH, surface to bottom, encompassed by
a line connecting the following approximate positions,
42[deg]53'41.59'' N 070[deg]48'29.064'' W (Hampton Harbor North Jetty
Daybeacon ``8'' LLNR 8945); thence along the jetty to 42[deg]53'48.1''
N 070[deg]48'38.4'' W; thence along the shore line to 42[deg]53'50.9''
N 070[deg]48'58.2'' W (center Hampton Bridge north side approach);
thence along the shore line to 42[deg]53'56.52'' N 070[deg]49'4.77'' W
(Hampton State Pier); thence to 42[deg]53'55.73'' N 070[deg]49'12.72''
W; thence to 42[deg]53'41.78'' N 070[deg]49'14.11'' W; thence to
42[deg]53'41.67'' N 070[deg]49'8.63'' W'' (Harborside Dunes); thence
along the shore to 42[deg]53'41.09'' N 070[deg]49'0.87'' W (center
Hampton Bridge south side approach); thence along the shore to
42[deg]53'33.077'' N 070[deg]48'38.724'' W (Hampton Harbor South
Daybeacon ``H'' LLNR 8955); thence to the point of origin, expressed in
Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on North American
Datum 1983 (NAD 83).
[[Page 29730]]
Figure 1 Chartlet Showing the Boundaries of the RNA
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07JY25.000
The RNA will establish the following operating restrictions on
vessels:
(i) Entry and movement within the RNA is subject to a ``Slow-No
Wake'' speed limit. All vessels may not produce a wake and may not
attain speeds greater than five (5) knots unless a higher minimum speed
is necessary to maintain bare steerageway.
(ii) Any vessel transiting through the RNA must make a direct
passage. No vessel may stop, fish, moor, anchor, or loiter within the
RNA at any time.
(iii) Vessels may not pass (overtake) another vessel within the
RNA.
(iv) Only one vessel is permitted to pass through the center span
navigational channel of the bridge(s) at any given time.
(v) Except when transiting through the center span navigation
channel, no vessel or craft may operate within 20 feet of the
bridge(s).
(vi) The operator of any vessel transiting in the RNA must comply
with all lawful directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's on-
scene representative.
In addition to the prohibitions stated above the Coast Guard is
establishing a temporary traffic pattern within the RNA to manage
vessel traffic. The traffic pattern, as shown below in figure 2, is
positioned around the shallow waters of Hampton Harbor and will be
marked with temporary aids to navigation. The western and southern
sides of the shallow area will support two-way traffic. One-way traffic
will flow northbound between the eastern side of the shallow waters and
the Neil R. Underwood Bridge/Seabrook-Hampton Harbor Bridge. The
northern side of the shallow area will accommodate one-way traffic
moving west.
[[Page 29731]]
Figure 2 Chartlet Showing Traffic Pattern Within the RNA
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07JY25.001
Second, this rule establishes a safety zone from July 1, 2025,
through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2030. While the safety zone will be
effective through this period, it will only be enforced during active
construction operations, when work being conducted by barges and cranes
placed in the narrow center span navigable channel dictate enforcement,
or other instances which may create a hazard to navigation.
The safety zone will cover all navigable waters within a 50-yard
radius of the center point of the Neil R. Underwood Seabrook-Hampton
Harbor Bridge, Hampton River, mile 0.0, at the inlet to Hampton Harbor,
Hampton, NH, surface to bottom, in approximate positions,
42[deg]53'46.2'' N 70[deg]48'59.6'' W, expressed in Degrees ([deg])
Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD
83). When subject to enforcement, no unauthorized vessel or person will
be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from
the COTP or a designated representative.
The Coast Guard will make notice of the safety zone via the Local
Notice to Mariners and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine
channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency
or hazardous condition.
Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request
authorization from the COTP or the COTP's on-scene designated
representative on VHF-16 or via phone at 833-449-2407 (Sector Northern
New England Command Center). Vessels must comply with directions given
to them by the COTP or the COTP's on-scene designated representative.
The Coast Guard is publishing this rule to be effective through
December 31, 2030, to encompass any construction delays due to weather
or other unforeseen circumstances. If the project is completed before
December 31, 2030, enforcement of the RNA and safety zone will be
suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. The First
Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at: <a href="http://www.navcen.uscg.gov">http://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
Additional information about the replacement of the Neil R.
Underwood Bridge can be found at <a href="https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/project-center/seabrook-hampton-15904">https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/project-center/seabrook-hampton-15904</a>.
The COTP maintains a telephone line that is staffed 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. The public can obtain information concerning
enforcement of the regulated navigation area and safety zone by
contacting the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Command Center
at (833) 449-2407.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a
[[Page 29732]]
``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866.
Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
This regulatory action determination is based on the size and
location of the regulated area. The RNA covers only a small portion of
the navigable waterway which includes the Federal navigation channel
and will not prohibit vessel traffic. Rather, this RNA will primarily
establish a speed and wake restriction and a traffic pattern along the
waters surrounding the Neil R. Underwood Seabrook-Hampton Harbor
Bridge. There may be times that the Coast Guard will prohibit vessel
traffic through the safety zone, but such closures are expected to take
place on very limited occasions. Moreover, even when the Coast Guard
generally prohibits vessel traffic through the safety zone, vessels may
still obtain permission to transit through the safety zone. Lastly, the
Coast Guard will provide the public with advanced notification of
waterway closures so that mariners may plan accordingly and adjust
their route. Such notifications will be made through various means,
including, but not limited to, Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast
Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM). For all these
reasons, the Coast Guard has determined that this proposed rulemaking
would not be a significant regulatory action.
B. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the
regulated area may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section
V.A above, this proposed rule will not have a significant economic
impact on any vessel owner or operator.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what
degree this rule would economically affect it.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that
question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the
Coast Guard.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or
action of the Coast Guard.
C. Collection of Information
This rule will not call for a new collection of information under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
Also, this temporary rule does not have Tribal implications under
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments) because it would not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes,
please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the potential effects of this rule
elsewhere in this preamble.
F. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of
a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves
restricting vessel movement within a regulated navigation area and
safety zone. It is categorically excluded from further review under
paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-
01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting
this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on
locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. We
seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a
significant environmental impact from this rule.
VI. Public Participation and Request for Comments
Although we are promulgating this as a temporary interim rule for
lack of time to take comments prior to issuing the rule, we view public
participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider
all comments and material received during the comment period. If you
submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking,
indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment
applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.
Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through
the Federal Decision-Making Portal at
[[Page 29733]]
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type USCG-2025-0056 in the search box and click
``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the Search Results column,
and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If you cannot submit
your material by using <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, call or email the
person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this rule for
alternate instructions.
Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this
rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in
the previous paragraph, and then select ``Supporting & Related
Material'' in the Document Type column. Public comments will also be
placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following instructions
on the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Also, if you click on the Dockets tab and then the rule, you should see
a ``Subscribe'' option for email alerts. The option will notify you
when comments are posted, or a final rule is published.
We review all comments received, but we will only post comments
that address the topic of the rule. We may choose not to post off-
topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we receive.
Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we
post to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> will include any personal
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No.
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
2. Add Sec. 165.T01-0389 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-0389 Regulated Navigation Area and Safety Zone; Hampton
River, Hampton, NH.
(a) Location. The following area is a regulated navigation area
(RNA):
(1) ``RNA'': all navigable waters of the Hampton River, mile 0.0,
at the inlet to Hampton Harbor, Hampton, NH, surface to bottom,
encompassed by a line connecting the following approximate positions,
42[deg]53'41.59'' N 070[deg]48'29.064'' W (Hampton Harbor North Jetty
Daybeacon ``8'' LLNR 8945); thence along the jetty to 42[deg]53'48.1''
N 070[deg]48'38.4'' W; thence along the shore line to 42[deg]53'50.9''
N 070[deg]48'58.2'' W (center Hampton Bridge north side approach);
thence along the shore line to 42[deg]53'56.52'' N 070[deg]49'4.77'' W
(Hampton State Pier); thence to 42[deg]53'55.73'' N 070[deg]49'12.72''
W; thence to 42[deg]53'41.78'' N 070[deg]49'14.11'' W; thence to
42[deg]53'41.67'' N 070[deg]49'8.63'' W'' (Harborside Dunes); thence
along the shore to 42[deg]53'41.09'' N 070[deg]49'0.87'' W (center
Hampton Bridge south side approach); thence along the shore to
42[deg]53'33.077'' N 070[deg]48'38.724'' W (Hampton Harbor South
Daybeacon ``H'' LLNR 8955); thence to the point of origin, expressed in
Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on North American
Datum 1983 (NAD 83).
(b) Location. The following area is a safety zone:
(1) ``Safety Zone'': all navigable waters within a 50-yard radius
of the center point of the Neil R. Underwood Brid Seabrook-Hampton
Harbor Bridge, Hampton River, mile 0.0, at the inlet to Hampton Harbor,
Hampton, NH, surface to bottom, in approximate positions,
42[deg]53'46.2'' N 70[deg]48'59.6'' W, expressed in Degrees ([deg])
Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD
83).
(c) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain,
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the First
Coast Guard District Commander in the enforcement of the safety zones.
Local officer means any officer, agent, or employee of a unit of local
government authorized by law or by a local government agency to engage
in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or
prosecution of any violation of criminal law.
(d) RNA Regulations. In addition to the general RNA regulations in
Sec. 165.13, the following regulations apply to the RNA described in
paragraph (a) of this section.
(1) Nothing in this regulation relieves any vessel, owner,
operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a
vessel, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with this part
or any other applicable law or regulation (i.e., the International
Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or
33 CFR part 84--Subchapter E, Inland Navigation Rules) or of the
neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary
practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(2) Entry and movement within the RNA is subject to a ``Slow-No
Wake'' speed limit. All vessels may not produce a wake and may not
attain speeds greater than five (5) knots unless a higher minimum speed
is necessary to maintain bare steerageway.
(3) Any vessel transiting through the RNA must make a direct
passage. No vessel may stop, fish, moor, anchor, or loiter within the
RNA at any time.
(4) Vessels may not pass (overtake) another vessel within the RNA.
(5) Only one vessel is permitted to pass through the center span
navigational channel of the bridge(s) at any given time.
(6) The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary traffic pattern
within the RNA to manage vessel traffic. The traffic pattern, as shown
below in figure 1, is positioned around the shallow waters of Hampton
Harbor and will be marked with temporary aids to navigation. The
western and southern sides of the shallow area will support two-way
traffic. One-way traffic will flow northbound between the eastern side
of the shallow waters and the Neil R. Underwood Bridge/Seabrook-Hampton
Harbor Bridge. The northern side of the shallow area will accommodate
one-way traffic moving west.
[[Page 29734]]
Figure 1 Chartlet Showing Traffic Pattern Within the RNA
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07JY25.002
(7) Except for transiting through the center span, no vessel or
craft may operate within 20 feet of the bridge(s).
(8) The operator of any vessel transiting in the RNA must comply
with all lawful directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's on-
scene representative.
(d) Enforcement period. The RNA will be enforced from 12:01 a.m.
July 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2030.
(e) Safety Zone Regulations. In addition to the general safety zone
regulations in Sec. 165.23, the following regulations apply to the
``Safety Zone'' described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(1) During each enforcement period, only vessel authorized by COTP
may enter or remain in this safety zone.
(2) Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must
request authorization from the COTP or the COTP's on-scene designated
representative on VHF-16 or via phone at 833-449-2407 (Sector Northern
New England Command Center). Vessels must comply with directions given
to them by the COTP or the COTP's on-scene designated representative.
(f) Effective and Enforcement periods. This safety zone will be
effective from 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on Decmember
31, 2030 but will only be enforced during active construction within
the main span navigational channel or other instances which may cause a
hazard to navigation as determined by the COTP. The COTP will make
notification of the exact dates and times in advance of each closure
period of the safety zone to the local maritime community through the
Local Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners
via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an
emergency.
(g) Early Completion. If the project is completed before December
31, 2030, enforcement of the RNA and safety zone will be suspended, and
notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard
District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at: <a href="http://www.navcen.uscg.gov">http://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
M.E. Platt,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2025-12540 Filed 7-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 7, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.