[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-14801]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-019]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Illinois Waterway, Hardin, IL

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 
Hardin Drawbridge, across the Illinois Waterway, mile 21.6 at Hardin, 
Illinois. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain closed to 
navigation for 14 days from August 18, 2003 until August 31, 2003. 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., August 18, 
2003 through 6 p.m., August 31, 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, 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 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 Illinois Department of Transportation 
requested a temporary deviation on April 7, 2003 to allow time to 
conduct preventative maintenance to the Hardin Drawbridge, across the 
Illinois Waterway, mile 21.6 at Hardin, Illinois. The Harding 
Drawbridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5 which 
requires the drawbridge to open on signal for passage of vessel 
traffic. In order to replace wire rope and trunnions, re-boring of 
sheaves for new trunnions and replacing secondary enclosed gear 
reducers, the bridge must be kept in the closed to navigation position. 
This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 14 
days from 6 a.m., August 18, 2003 until 6 p.m., August 31, 2003. 
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 21.6 on the Illinois Waterway. The 
drawbridge will be incapable of opening for emergencies during the 14-
day repair period.
    The Hardin drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 25.9 feet 
above pool stage in the closed to navigation position. Navigation on 
the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational 
watercraft. 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: June 4, 2003.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-14801 Filed 6-10-03; 8:45 am]
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