2010-30928. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Hannibal, MO

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 Hannibal Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 309.9, at Hannibal, Missouri. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to replace critical control components that are essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. The work is scheduled in the winter, when the impact on navigation is minimal, instead of scheduling the work at other times in the year, when river traffic is prevalent. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during work performance.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 5, 2011 to 12:01 a.m., January 26, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-1080 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2010-1080 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, 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 Norfolk Southern Railroad requested a temporary deviation for the Hannibal Railroad Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 309.9, at Hannibal, Missouri to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for 21 days from 12:01 a.m., January 5, 2011 to 12:01 a.m., January 26, 2011 to allow the bridge owner time for preventive maintenance. The Hannibal 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 March 4, 2011 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the drawspan opening.

The Hannibal Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 21.1 feet above normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position for the 21-day period, January 5, 2011 to January 25, 2011. 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: November 30, 2010.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator.