[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 243 (Friday, December 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33592]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD11-98-009]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Sacramento River, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation to the 
regulations governing operation of the California Department of 
Transportation (Caltrans) vertical lift bridge (Tower Bridge), which 
spans the Sacramento River at mile 59.0 (km 95.0) between Sacramento, 
Sacramento County, and West Sacramento, Yolo County, California. The 
deviation specifies that the bridge need not open for the passage of 
vessels from January 1, 1999 through February 28, 1999. The deviation 
is needed to allow Caltrans and its contractors to replace the control 
system. The work requires the bridge to remain closed throughout the 
period. The Coast Guard will require the bridge be opened in 
emergencies if at least 4 hours advance notice is given.

DATES: Effective period of the deviation is January 1, 1999 through 
February 28, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jerry Olmes, Bridge Administrator, 
Eleventh Coast Guard District, Building 50-6 Coast Guard Island, 
Alameda, CA 94501-5100, telephone (510) 437-3515.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard anticipates that the 
economic consequences of this deviation will be minimal. The bridge 
provides 30 feet vertical clearance over Mean High Water in the closed 
position. Recreational and commercial vessel traffic is limited during 
the winter, and most recreational vessels can transit the bridge 
without a bridge opening. Similarly, many of the emergency response 
vessels can transit the closed bridge, and the 4-hour emergency opening 
provision would enable the bridge to open for larger marine equipment 
needed for such emergencies as levee repair or other flood fighting 
efforts. With adequate Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners notification, commercial vessel operators should have ample 
time to plan transits accordingly. This deviation from the normal 
operating regulations in 33 CFR 117.189 is authorized in accordance 
with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: December 11, 1998.
C.D. Wurster,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 98-33592 Filed 12-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M