[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 155 (Tuesday, August 12, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47851-47852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20507]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-031]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Illinois Waterway, Joliet, 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 
Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Drawbridge, across the 
Illinois Waterway, mile 287.6 at Joliet, Illinois. This deviation 
allows the drawbridge to remain closed to navigation for six separate 
increments starting at 7 a.m, September 15, 2003, and ending at 7 p.m., 
September 26, 2003, Central Standard Time. The deviation is

[[Page 47852]]

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 7 a.m., September 15, 
2003, until 7 p.m., September 26, 2003.

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 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 CSX Railway Company requested a 
temporary deviation on July 17, 2003 for the operation of the 
drawbridge to allow the bridge owner time for preventative maintenance. 
Presently, the draw opens on signal for passage of river traffic. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for six 
separate increments from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., September 15, 2003; from 
5 a.m. until 9 p.m., September 17, 2003; from 7 a.m., until 7 p.m., 
September 19, 2003; from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., September 22, 2003, from 
5 a.m., until 9 p.m., September 24, 2003; and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., 
September 26, 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 287.6 on the 
Illinois Waterway. The drawbridge will be incapable of opening for 
emergencies during the six increment repair periods.
    The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Drawbridge provides a 
vertical clearance of 9.5 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 replace the 
counterweight cables 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: August 4, 2003.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-20507 Filed 8-11-03; 8:45 am]
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