[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 96 (Friday, May 17, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11827]
[[Page 29020]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2013-0360]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Neches River, Beaumont, TX
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the
operating schedule that governs the Kansas City Southern vertical lift
span bridge across the Neches River, mile 19.5, at Beaumont, Texas. The
deviation is necessary to replace the north vertical lift joints on the
bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation
for twelve consecutive hours.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 4, 2013.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0360] is available
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH''
box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this deviation. You may also visit the Docket
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this
temporary deviation, call or email Kay Wade, Bridge Administration
Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128, email [email protected].
If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Barbara Hairston,
Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Kansas City Southern Railroad has
requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the
vertical lift span bridge across the Neches River at mile 19.5 in
Beaumont, Texas. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-
navigation position is 13 feet above Mean High Water and 140 feet above
Mean High Water in the open-to-navigation position.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.971, the vertical lift span of the
bridge is automated and normally not manned but will open on signal for
the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of
the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 4, 2013.
The closure is necessary in order to replace the north vertical
lift joints on the bridge, which allow the bridge to be raised. This
maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the bridge.
Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local
Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast
Notice to Mariners System.
Navigation on the waterway consists of commercial and recreational
fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and
without tows. No alternate routes are available for the passage of
vessels; however, the closure was coordinated with waterway interests
who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations
around the proposed work schedule. Small vessels may pass under the
bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is
exercised.
The bridge will be able to open manually in the event of an
emergency, but it will take about one hour to do so.
Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it
has been determined that this closure will not have a significant
effect on vessels that use the waterway.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: May 7, 2013.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-11827 Filed 5-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P