[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71473]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-30323]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08-02-033]
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 Rock Island 
Railroad & Highway Drawbridge, Mile 482.9, Upper Mississippi River at 
Rock Island, Illinois. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain 
closed to navigation for 57 days starting at 8 a.m., December 28, 2002, 
and ending at 8 a.m., February 22, 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 8 a.m., December 28, 
2002 until 8 a.m., February 22, 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 Department of the Army, Rock Island 
Arsenal requested a temporary deviation on October 1, 2002 for the 
operation of the drawbridge 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 extensive repairs and required annual maintenance, the bridge 
must be kept inoperative and in the closed to navigation position. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 57 days 
starting at 8 a.m., December 28, 2002 and ending at 8 a.m., February 
22, 2003. This maintenance period was scheduled during the winter 
months to lessen the impact on vessel traffic which will increase when 
Lock 17 reopens on March 1, 2003.
    The Rock Island Railroad & Highway Drawbridge provides a vertical 
clearance of 23.8 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 not be able to 
open for emergencies during the repair period. 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: November 14, 2002.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 02-30323 Filed 11-22-02; 8:45 am]
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