2011-1200. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chickasaw Creek, AL

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 operation of the CSX Railroad Swing Span Bridge across Chickasaw Creek, mile 0.0, in Mobile, Alabama. The deviation is necessary to replace railroad ties on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed for nine hours with a one-hour mid-day opening on February 8 and 9, 2011.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-1142 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2010-1142 in the “Keyword” box 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 David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch; 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 CSX Transportation has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the Swing Span Bridge across Chickasaw Creek, mile 0.0, in Mobile, Alabama. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 6 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge currently opens on signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for two (2) four-hour periods on two consecutive days with a one-hour opening in the middle of the closures. The bridge will remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from noon until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 and Wednesday, February 9, 2011. At all other times, the bridge will open on signal for the passage of vessels.

The closure is necessary in order to change out railroad ties on the bridge. 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 mainly of tugs with tows and ships. As a result of coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users, this closure has been scheduled to minimize the possibility of any significant effects on these vessels. There are no alternate routes available to vessel traffic. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies.

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: January 3, 2011.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.