2015-19377. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Galveston, TX

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. The deviation is necessary in order to conduct maintenance on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain temporarily closed to navigation for eight hours on consecutive days during day light hours and will operate normally at all other times.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from August 31 through September 5, 2015. This deviation will be enforced from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 and then again from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily, beginning August 31 through September 5, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0741] 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. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 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 temporary deviation, call or email Jim Wetherington, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The BNSF Railway Company requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas.

The bridge has a vertical clearance of 8.0 feet above mean high water, elevation 3.0 feet (NAVD88), in the closed-to-navigation position and 73 feet above mean high water in the open-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the draw shall open on signal for the passage of vessels.

This temporary deviation allows the vertical lift bridge to remain closed to navigation from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 and then again from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily, beginning August 31 through September 5, 2015. During this time, the bridge owner will complete cable lubing, welding joints and replacing span guide bearings. If the vessel can safely pass without an opening, the vessel may pass at the slowest safe speed. The bridge can open in case of emergency.

Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Based on known waterway users, as well as coordination with those waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. No alternate routes are available.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, the draw bridge 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 3, 2015.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.