[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 5457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2599]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-98-002]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Burlington Railroad Drawbridge at mile 403.1, across the Upper 
Mississippi River. This deviation amends the federal drawbridge 
operation regulations to require a six-hour advance notice to open for 
the period of 12:01 a.m., December 31, 1997 to 12:01 a.m., March 1, 
1998. This action is necessary in order for the bridge to undergo 
required maintenance. Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River, 
coupled with the closure of many Corps of Engineers' locks until March 
of 1998, will preclude any significant navigation demands for bridge 
openings.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., December 31, 1997 to 
12:01 a.m., March 1, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, Director, Western Rivers 
Operations, (314) 539-2900, extension 378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Railroad Drawbridge swingspan 
has a vertical clearance of 21.5 feet above normal pool in the closed 
to navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily 
of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This change in 
drawbridge operation has been coordinated with the commercial waterway 
industry and fleeting operations in the area. Use of the waterway by 
these groups is curtailed during lock closures and ice formation in the 
winter months. The Burlington Railroad Drawbridge is located between 
Locks 18 and 19 which will be closed during the period. Performing 
maintenance on this bridge during the winter when no vessels are 
impacted is preferred to bridge closures or advance notification 
requirements during the commercial navigation season.
    This deviation is for the period 12:01 a.m., December 31, 1997 to 
12:01 a.m., March 1, 1998. It requires that six hour advance notice be 
made for the swingspan of the Burlington Railroad Drawbridge to open. 
The drawbridge operation regulations, when not amended by a deviation, 
require that the drawbridge open on-demand.

    Dated: January 20, 1998.
T.W. Josiah,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 98-2599 Filed 2-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M