E9-25598. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Upper Mississippi River, Clinton, 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 Clinton Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, Mile 518.0, Clinton, 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., December 15, 2009 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., December 15, 2009 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0913 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-0913 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 Union Pacific Railroad Company requested a temporary deviation for the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa to open on signal if at least 24 hours' advance notice is given in order to facilitate needed bridge maintenance and repairs. The Clinton 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. December 15, 2009 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2010.

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

The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 18.7 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

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: October 6, 2009.

Roger K. Wiebusch,

Bridge Administrator.