[Federal Register: December 2, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 231)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71473]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02de02-15]
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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]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P