[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 228 (Wednesday, November 26, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 66343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-29593]



[[Page 66343]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-046]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Buffalo Bayou, Houston, 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 
Union Pacific Railroad Swing Span Bridge across Buffalo Bayou, mile 
0.1, at Houston, Harris County, Texas. This deviation allows the bridge 
to remain closed to navigation from December 10, 2003, through December 
21, 2003. The deviation is necessary to allow for replacement of the 
diesel motor that operates the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on December 10, 2003, 
through 6 p.m. on December 21, 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: David Frank, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Union Pacific Railroad has requested a 
temporary deviation in order to replace a motor on the swing span 
bridge across Buffalo Bayou at mile 0.1 at Houston, Harris 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 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 
10, 2003, until 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2003. The bridge will 
not be able to open for emergencies during this time and no alternate 
routes are available. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the 
closed-to-navigation position is approximately 34 feet above mean low 
water, elevation 0.0.
    Requests to open the bridge are infrequent with the most recent 
request on April 14, 2003. Waterway users consist mainly of small tows. 
Based upon coordination with waterway users and Vessel Traffic Service 
Houston/Galveston, it has been determined that this closure will not 
have a significant effect on these vessels.
    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: November 18, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-29593 Filed 11-25-03; 8:45 am]
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