[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 6, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67551-67552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28134]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-02-025]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Illinois Waterway, Joliet, IL

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 
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Drawbridge, across the Illinois 
Waterway, mile 290.1 at Joliet, Illinois. This deviation allows the 
drawbridge to remain closed to navigation for three separate 28-hour 
increments starting at 6 a.m., November 4, 2002, and ending at 10 a.m., 
November 15, 2002, Central Standard Time. The deviation is necessary to 
facilitate maintenance work on the bridge that is essential to the 
continued safe operation of the drawbridge.

DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 6 a.m., November 4, 
2002, until 10 a.m., November 15, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this rule are available for 
inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, 
Bridge Administration Branch, Commander (obr), Eighth Coast Guard 
District, 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

[[Page 67552]]

public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge 
Administrator, Commander (obr), Eighth Coast Guard District, 1222 
Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, (314) 539-3900, extension 
2378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company 
requested a temporary deviation on September 23, 2002, for the 
operation of the drawbridge to allow the bridge owner time for 
preventative maintenance. The drawbridge operation regulations found at 
33 CFR 117.393(d) require that the drawbridge be maintained in the 
open-to-navigation position and close only for the passage of rail 
traffic. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for four separate 28-hour intervals from 6 a.m., November 4, 
2002, until 10 a.m., November 5, 2002, from 6 a.m., November 7, 2002, 
until 10 a.m., November 8, 2002, from 6 a.m., November 11, 2002, until 
10 a.m., November 12, 2002 and from 6 a.m., November 14, 2002, until 10 
a.m., November 15, 2002. Vessels not exceeding the vertical clearance 
of the drawbridge may pass under the drawbridge during repairs. There 
are no alternate routes for vessels transiting through mile 290.1 on 
the Illinois Waterway. The drawbridge will be incapable of opening for 
emergencies during the 28-hour repair periods.
    The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway drawbridge provides a vertical 
clearance of 24.6 feet above normal pool in the closed to navigation 
position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial 
tows and recreational watercraft. In order to repair and replace gear 
reducers, roller bearings, gears and shafts, the bridge must be kept 
inoperative and in the closed to navigation position. This deviation 
has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed 
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as 
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: October 29, 2002.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 02-28134 Filed 11-5-02; 8:45 am]
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