2010-436. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Upper Mississippi River, Dubuque, IA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operations of the Dubuque Railroad Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, Mile 579.9, Dubuque, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to allow time for performing needed maintenance and repairs to the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given from 12:01 a.m. January 15, 2010 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. January 15, 2010 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1097 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2009-1097 in the “Keyword” and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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 rule, call or e-mail Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Canadian National Railway Company requested a temporary deviation for the Dubuque Railroad Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, Iowa to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given in order to facilitate needed bridge maintenance and repairs. The Dubuque Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that drawbridges shall open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given in accordance with the subpart. In order to facilitate the needed bridge work, the drawbridge must be kept in the closed-to-navigation position. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given from 12:01 a.m. January 15, 2010 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Upper Mississippi River.

The Dubuque Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 19.9 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. These interests will not be significantly impacted due to the reduced navigation in winter months. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: 22 December 2009.

Roger K. Wiebusch,

Bridge Administrator.