LAKE CHAMPLAIN, Vt. — The Coast Guard has established a 1500-foot safety zone for Friday around the construction area immediately before and during the demolition of two remaining piers at the former site of the Lake Champlain Bridge.
While the construction area currently has a 300-foot safety zone prohibiting vessel traffic through the area, that zone will be expanded to 1500 feet to protect boaters from the effects of the pier blast scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. on Friday. As the exact time of the pier demolition is subject to change, the specific times when the 1500-foot safety zone is in effect will be broadcast on VHF-FM channel 16. Additionally, there will be sirens 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and 1 minute prior to the blast.
The blast will demolish piers 6 and 7 that line the main channel of the area between Crown Point, N.Y. and Chimney Point, Vt. As the piers are only a few feet above the waterline, the majority of the explosion will occur beneath the water’s surface. The Coast Guard cautions all people to stay clear of the area until the debris has been cleared and surveyed to ensure the channel is free of obstructions. This process could take several weeks. Until the channel can be safely reopened, the Coast Guard will continue to enforce the 300-foot safety zone around the area.
There will be approximately a 30 minute delay prior to the blast for the Crown Point ferry crossing. While the blast will affect two scheduled crossings, it will be held at an off-peak time to minimize the impact to vehicle traffic.
All mariners are advised that entry into these safety zones by any vessel, person or vehicle is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. If you have questions about the Coast Guard safety zones, you can contact the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Command Center at 207-767-0303.
