E8-24522. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cumberland River, Nashville, TN

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 Louisville and Nashville (CSX) Railroad Drawbridge, across the Cumberland River, Mile 190.4, at Nashville, Tennessee. The deviation is necessary to retrofit the bridge with an upgraded rail lift system. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in a closed-to-navigation position for a four-day period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., November 17-20, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0825 and are available online at http://www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: 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, and the Robert A. Young Federal Building, Room 2.107F, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on the rule, call Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, 314-269-2378. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

CSX Transportation Inc. requested a temporary deviation for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Drawbridge, mile 190.4, at Nashville, Tennessee, across the Cumberland River to close the bridge to navigation. The Louisville and Nashville 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 meet the bridge owner's request the deviation period is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., November 17-20, 2008 for the draw span to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Cumberland River. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 47 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows, barge fleeter, and recreational watercraft. The majority of vessels can pass under the bridge in the closed position. On average there may be no more than two openings during a week. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users and no objections were raised.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge shall 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: September 30, 2008.

Roger K. Wiebusch,

Bridge Administrator.