2012-28284. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Clinton, IA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to allow time for performing needed maintenance and repairs to the bridge. 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. December 15, 2012, until 9 a.m., March 15, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0995 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2012-0995 in the “Search” 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 temporary deviation, call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone [phone] or [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Union Pacific Railroad Company requested a temporary deviation for the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa, across the Upper Mississippi to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given in order to facilitate needed bridge maintenance and repairs. The Clinton 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. In order to facilitate the needed bridge work, the drawbridge must be kept in the closed-to-navigation position. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given from 12:01 a.m. December 15, 2012, until 9 a.m., March 15, 2013.

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

The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 18.7 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

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: November 8, 2012.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.