[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9536-9537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4756]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-006]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Three Mile Creek, Mobile, 
Baldwin County, AL

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 
CSX Transportation Railroad Swing Span Bridge across Three Mile Creek, 
mile 0.3, at Mobile, Baldwin County, AL. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain closed to navigation on March 20, 2003. The deviation 
is necessary to conduct maintenance to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. on March 
20, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, 
Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, room 1313, 
501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 a.m. 
and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Bridge 
Administration Branch of the Eighth Coast Guard District maintains the 
public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kay Wade, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CSX Transportation has requested a temporary 
deviation in order to lift the girder off the pivot pedestal in order 
to replace a worn disc that affects the opening and closing of the 
swing span bridge across Three Mile Creek at mile 0.3 at Mobile, 
Baldwin County, Alabama. This maintenance is essential for the 
continued operation of the bridge and is expected to eliminate frequent 
breakdowns resulting in emergency bridge closures. This temporary 
deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2003.
    The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above 
mean high water and 12 feet above mean low water in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation on the waterway is primarily 
commercial, consisting of tugs with

[[Page 9537]]

tows and fishing vessels. There is no recreational boat traffic at the 
bridge site. The only known commercial users of the waterway, D. R. 
Jordan Pile Driving, Inc. and Mobile Ship Yard, were both contacted and 
have no objection to the closure. The bridge normally opens to pass 
navigation on an average of 3 times per day. In accordance with 33 CFR 
117.5, the draw of the bridge opens on signal. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies during the closure period. No alternate 
routes are available.
    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: February 19, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-4756 Filed 2-27-03; 8:45 am]
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