2010-32379. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Rock Island, IL

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 Crescent Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 481.4, at Rock Island, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to perform preventive maintenance that is essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. Maintenance is scheduled in the winter and when there is less impact on navigation; instead of scheduling work in the summer, when river traffic increases. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 17, 2011 to 9 a.m. March 1, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-1105 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2010-1105 in the “Keyword” box 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 Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, United States 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 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway requested a temporary deviation for the Crescent Railroad Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 481.4, at Rock Island, Illinois to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given for 44 days from 12:01 a.m., January 17, 2011 to 9 a.m., March 1, 2011 to allow the bridge owner time for preventive maintenance. The Crescent 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.

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

Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No. 20 (Mile 343.2 UMR), Lock No. 21 (Mile 324.9 UMR) and Lock No. 22 (Mile 301.2 UMR) from January 3, 2011 to February 28, 2011 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the drawspan opening for most of the deviation period.

The Crescent Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 25.7 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will open if at least 24-hours advance notice is given. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users.

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: December 13, 2010.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator.