(a) The Fifth Street County Highway Bridge, 3,250 feet above the West Pier Light at the outer end of the Norfolk and Southern Coal Dock, is at a right angle bend of the river. It is a bascule bridge with vertical clearance of 11.2 feet above low-water datum when closed and width of 139 feet between fenders. The signal from the vessel to the bridge tender to open the draw is one long blast of whistle. Signals from the bridge in response are as follows: one long blast, "come ahead"; two blasts, "stop engine"; three blasts, "slow down".
(b) The Norfolk and Southern Coal Railroad Bascule Bridge is 7,650 feet above the West Pier Light at the outer end of the Norfolk and Southern Coal Dock. It has headroom (when closed) of 11.5 feet and clear opening of 112 feet. The signal from the vessel to the bridge tender for opening, is one long, one short, one long whistle. If the bridge can be opened, the tender shall answer by same signal. An electric horn on the bridge shall sound three short blasts as a signal for the vessel to check, and two short blasts if the draw cannot be opened. These signals should be repeated by the vessel. The bridge is marked by a fixed red light on each abutment and by a swinging light on the south end of the bridge showing red when bridge is closed and green when open.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as forbidding the use of horn or whistles as alarm signals in case of fire or collision, or other imminent danger, or the necessary signals required in the operation of vessels.
(1980 Code 92.30)