Goethals Bridge demolition

KWMJV/R.E. Pierson Construction has begun demolition of the old Goethals Bridge. The contractor is currently preparing the Suspended Span for lowering to barges in the navigable channel.

This phase of the demolition will entail hot work and periodic crane operations at a maximum of 130 ft inside the navigable channel. The contractor will have a spotter monitoring VHF-FM Channel 13 in order to facilitate the suspension of hot work during vessel transits underneath the bridge.

The Arthur Kill will not be closed to navigation and crane barges will MOVE ON DEMAND or when directed to move by Vessel Traffic Service New York during this phase of the project. Two hours’ notice is required to move the crane barges.

The Suspended Span will be lowered to barges in the center of the navigable channel over a 36-hour period in January 2018. This lowering operation will result in a 36-hour maximum closure of the navigable channel. The tentative, revised time frame for this 36-hour channel closure is TENTATIVELY scheduled for the following dates:

Primary: 0600 on Saturday, Jan 13th to 1800 on Sunday Jan 14th. Vessels will not be able to transit between Morses Creek (south of the Goethals Bridge) and the Arthur Kill Railroad Bridge (north of the Goethals Bridge) during these times.

Vessel Traffic Service NY (VTSNY) will be establishing a VTS Measure enforcing a No Meeting/No Overtaking Zone as the main span is transported from the Goethals Bridge site to Berth 36 at Port Newark. The transit time is fluid and may be impacted by onscene wind speeds. This transit is tentatively scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 13th, from approximately 1800-2359. VTSNY will provide updates once the final transit times are established.

From January 2018 through June 2018 the Cantilevered Span on each side of the navigable channel will be dismantled via crane barge. Dismantling operations will take place first on the New Jersey side of the waterway, then transition to the New York side of the waterway. Barge placement will be a maximum of 155 ft inside the navigable channel on the New Jersey side of the waterway, and 265 ft inside the navigable channel on the New York side of the waterway. The Arthur Kill will not be closed to navigation and crane barges will MOVE ON DEMAND or when directed to move by Vessel Traffic Service New York during this phase of the project. Two hours’ notice is required to move the crane barges. While vessels will move on demand when requested to promote safe navigation in the area, mariners are reminded that excessive movement requests that do not increase safe navigation may result in the bridge demolition operation taking longer than expected to finish.

During demolition operations, the Coast Guard will actively monitor the Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) currently in effect to enhance navigation and vessel safety for vessels transiting between Port Ivory on Elizabethport Reach and the Grasselli High Wires, north of Pralls Island, on Pralls Island Reach. Further modifications may be made based upon conditions in the project area.

a. Direct Passage/Speed: Any vessel transiting through the RNA must make a direct passage. No vessel may stop, moor, anchor or loiter within the RNA at any time unless they are working on the Goethals Bridge demolition or construction projects, or arriving to/departing from their facility berthing areas within the RNA. 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 steerage.

b. No Meeting or Overtaking: Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) users are prohibited from meeting or overtaking other vessels when transiting alongside an active work area where crane operations are being conducted.

c. Channel Closure: The channel will be closed for a maximum of 36 hours during the lowering of Suspended Span to barges in the center of the navigable channel. Persons and vessels may request permission to enter the RNA by contacting the COTP or the COTP’s on-scene representative at VTS New York on VHF CH 12 or 14 or via the VTS New York Watch Supervisor phone at 718-354-4088.

d. Additional Restrictions: Any vessels transiting in the RNA must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s on-scene representative. The on scene representative is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been designated by the COTP to act on the COTP’s behalf. The on-scene representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel; or other designated craft; or on shore and communicating with a VTS New York Watchstander or vessels via VHF-FM radio or loudhailer.

e. Other Regulations: All other relevant regulations, including but not limited to the Rules of the Road, as codified in 33 CFR Subchapter E, Inland Navigational Rules, remain in effect within the RNA and must be strictly followed at all times.

The contractor will provide a weekly schedule that will be updated daily to VTS New York, and notify VTS New York two hours in advance of any intended barge movements impacting the navigable channel. VTS New York will continually assess conditions in the bridge demolition zone and surrounding areas and may make further changes to navigation restrictions as necessary. Such changes will be disseminated by VTSNY, safety broadcasts, or publication online at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-york > Coast Guard Prevention > Waterway Management.

(For information about operations in the United States contact GAC North America at [email protected])

Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Sector New York, Advisory Notice (CGAN 2017-009) Waterways Management Division Revision No: 8, dated 9 January 2018