E7-20494. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Upper Mississippi River, Clinton, IA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operations of the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, Mile 518.0, Clinton, Iowa across the Upper Mississippi River. 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, 2007 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2008. The deviation is necessary to allow time for performing needed maintenance and repairs to the bridge.

DATES:

This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. December 15, 2007 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at Room 2.107F in the Robert A. Young Federal Building, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Bridge Administration Branch maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, [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, 2007 until 9 a.m., March 15, 2008.

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. These interests will not be significantly impacted due to the reduced navigation in winter months. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge shall 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: October 5, 2007.

Roger K. Wiebusch,

Bridge Administrator.