E9-9635. Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Galveston, TX

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 Galveston Causeway Railroad Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. This deviation provides for the bridge to remain closed to navigation for five hours a day for 14 non-consecutive days in order to perform scheduled maintenance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2009 until noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0283 and are available online at www.regulations.gov, selecting the Advanced Docket Search Option on the right side of the screen, inserting USCG-2009-0283 in the Docket ID box, pressing Enter, and then clicking on the item in the Docket ID column. This material is 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 David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone [phone]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Burlington Northern Railway Company has requested a temporary deviation in order to perform necessary maintenance on the rail joints of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. The maintenance is essential for the continued safe operation of the railroad bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until noon, Monday through Thursday from Monday, May 11, 2009 until Wednesday, June 3, 2009. The bridge will operate normally for the passage of vessels on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2009. During the closure the draw will be able to open for emergencies after securing the ties on the bridge. Currently, the draw opens on signal for the passage of vessels.

The bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. No alternate routes are available. This closure is considered necessary for repair of the bridge.

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: April 13, 2009.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.