[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 251 (Tuesday, December 31, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 79853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-33019]


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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]
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