02-503. Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Mississippi River, Iowa and Illinois

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION:

Temporary deviation.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has authorized a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the Burlington Railroad Drawbridge, Mile 403.1, Upper Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation for 60 days from 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on December 31, 2001, until 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on March 1, 2002. The drawbridge shall open on signal if at least six (6) hours advance notice is given.

DATES:

This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on December 31, 2001, until 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on March 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this notice are available for inspection or copying at room 2.107f in the Robert A. Young Federal Building at Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832. The Bridge Branch maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, Commander (obr), Eighth Coast Guard District at [phone], extension 378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Burlington Railroad Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 21.5 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

On November 27, 2001 the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad requested the bridge be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position to allow the bridge owner time for preventative maintenance in the winter and when there is less impact on navigation; instead of scheduling maintenance in the summer, when river traffic increases.

This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation from 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on December 31, 2001, until 12:01 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on March 1, 2002. The drawbridge will open on signal if at least six (6) hours advance notice is given. Advance notice may be given by calling Mr. Louis Welte, [phone] during work hours and Mr. Larry Moll, [phone], after work hours.

Dated: December 28, 2001.

Roy J. Casto,

Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.