05-3414. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Sacramento River, CA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the I Street Drawbridge across the Sacramento River, mile 59.4, at Sacramento, CA. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position. The deviation is necessary to repair the operating machinery to prevent unexpected drawspan failure.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. March 10, 2005, through 5 p.m. on March 17, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at Commander (oan), Eleventh Coast Guard District, Building 50-3, Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA 94501-5100, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Sulouff, Bridge Section, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Union Pacific Railroad Company requested to secure the I Street Drawbridge, mile 59.4, Sacramento River, at Sacramento, CA, in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. March 10, 2005, through 5 p.m. on March 17, 2005, during essential operating machinery repair, to prevent unexpected failure of the draw span. The drawbridge provides 109 ft. vertical clearance in the full open-to-navigation position, and 30 ft. vertical clearance above Mean High Water when closed. The drawbridge normally opens on signal from approaching vessels, as required by 33 CFR 117.189.

The proposed work was coordinated with waterway users. It was determined that potential navigational impacts will be reduced if the repairs are performed during March 2005, resulting in Coast Guard approval of the proposed work from 8 a.m. March 10, 2005, through 5 p.m. March 17, 2005.

During these times, the drawspan may be secured in the closed-to-navigation position and need not open for vessels.

The drawspan will resume normal operation at the conclusion of the essential repair work. Mariners may contact the I Street Drawbridge by telephone at [phone], in advance, to determine conditions at the bridge.

The drawspan will be unable to open during the repair. Vessels that can safely pass through the closed drawbridge may continue to do so at any time.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed to return the drawbridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is approved under the provisions of 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: February 14, 2005.

Kevin J. Eldridge,

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