[Federal Register: December 31, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 251)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 79853]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31de02-9]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD 08-02-044]
RIN 2115-AE47
Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Mississippi River, Iowa and
Illinois
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the Crescent Railroad
Drawbridge, Mile 481.4, Upper Mississippi River near Rock Island,
Illinois. This deviation allows the drawbridge to open on signal if at
least 6 hours advance notice is given during the 53 day period starting
at 12:01 a.m., January 7, 2003 and ending at 12:01 a.m., March 1, 2003,
Central Standard Time. This deviation is necessary to allow the bridge
owner time for preventive maintenance that is essential to the
continued safe operation of the drawbridge.
DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January
7, 2003 until 12:01 a.m., March 1, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this notice are available for
inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District,
Bridge Administration Branch, Commander (obr), Eighth Coast Guard
District, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, between 8 a.m.
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. The
Bridge Administration Branch maintains the public docket for this
temporary deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge
Administrator, Commander (obr), Eighth Coast Guard District, 1222
Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, (314) 539-3900, extension
2378.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
Railroad requested a temporary deviation on December 2, 2002 for the
operation of the Crescent Railroad Drawbridge, Mile 481.4, Upper
Mississippi River near Rock Island, Illinois to allow the bridge owner
time for preventive maintenance. The drawbridge operation regulations
found at 33 CFR 117.5, require the drawbridge to open on signal. In
order to perform required annual maintenance, the bridge will open on
signal if at least 6 hours advance notice is given. This deviation
allows the bridge to operate on a 6-hour advance notice to open for
navigation for 53 days starting at 12:01 a.m., January 7, 2003 and
ending at 12:01 a.m., March 1, 2003. This maintenance period was
scheduled during the winter months to lessen the impact on vessel
traffic which will increase when Lock Nos. 17 and 19 reopen on March 1,
2003.
The Crescent Railroad Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of
25.7 feet above normal pool in the closed to navigation position.
Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and
recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will be able to open for
emergencies during this period. There are no alternate routes for
waterway traffic to bypass the Crescent Railroad Drawbridge. This
deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were
received.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: December 23, 2002.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 02-33019 Filed 12-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-U