2016-07439. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Tennessee River, Decatur, AL

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Southern Railroad Drawbridge across the Tennessee River, mile 304.4, at Decatur, Alabama. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to perform repairs and maintenance essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. This deviation allows the bridge to open to vessel traffic with a two-hour advance notice.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from April 4 through April 21, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, (USCG-2016-0199) 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this temporary deviation, call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Norfolk Southern Railroad requested a temporary deviation for the Southern Railroad Drawbridge, across the Tennessee River, mile 304.4, at Decatur, Alabama. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 2-hours advance notice is given from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, April 4-21, 2016. This deviation is necessary for the bridge owner to replace cross ties, change out the counter weight and install inner guard rails.

The Southern Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that the drawbridge shall open on signal.

The Southern Railroad Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 10.52 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft and will not be significantly impacted. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Tennessee River. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so the vessel operators can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.

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: March 10, 2016.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.