2016-20648. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Rock Island, IL

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to facilitate repairs to the locking mechanisms on the rail deck of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position for critical repairs that are essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on September 14, 2016 to 5 a.m. on September 15, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2016-0768, is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this temporary deviation, call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal requested a temporary deviation for the Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois across the Upper Mississippi River. It has a vertical clearance of 23.8 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The Rock Island Railroad and Highway 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.

The deviation period is from 5 a.m. on September 14, 2016 to 5 a.m. on September 15, 2016 when the draw span will remain in the closed-to-navigation position. During this time the bridge owner will facilitate critical repairs to the locking mechanisms on the rail deck of the bridge that are essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass this section of the Upper Mississippi River. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: August 24, 2016.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.