[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 26208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12182]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-021]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Corpus Christi--Port Aransas 
Channel--Tule Lake, Corpus Christi, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 
Tule Lake Vertical Lift Span Highway and Railroad Bridge across the 
Corpus Christi--Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0, at Corpus Christi, 
Nueces County, TX. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation on May 22, 2003. The deviation is necessary to conduct 
emergency repairs to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. on May 
22, 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 
telephone number is (504) 589-2965. 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: The Port of Corpus Christi Authority has 
requested a temporary deviation in order to remove and replace the main 
drive bearings of the Tule Lake vertical lift span bridge across Corpus 
Christi--Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0 at Corpus Christi, Nueces 
County, Texas. This maintenance is essential for the continued safe 
operation of the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. through 7 
p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2003.
    The vertical lift span bridge has a vertical clearance of 9.0 feet 
above mean high water, elevation 1.0 feet Mean Sea Level and 11.0 feet 
above mean low water, elevation -1.0 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists 
mainly of oil tankers and tows with barges. There is no recreational 
pleasure craft usage at the bridge site. Due to prior experience, as 
well as coordination with water way users, it has been determined that 
this one day closure will not have a significant effect on these 
vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation an average of 850 
times per month. The bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 
117.5. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies during the 
closure period. Alternate routes are not 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: May 7, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-12182 Filed 5-14-03; 8:45 am]
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