[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22733-22734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9483]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-04-016]
RIN 1625-AA09


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 
Jefferson Street Bridge, mile 287.9, and Cass Street Bridge, mile 
288.1, across the Illinois Waterway at Joliet, Illinois. This deviation 
allows the drawbridges to remain closed to navigation for three hours 
from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 15, 2004 Central Standard Time. The 
deviation is necessary to facilitate maintenance work on the bridges 
that is

[[Page 22734]]

essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridges.

DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 
a.m. on May 15, 2004.

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 FURTHER 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 March 25, 2004 for the operation of 
the drawbridges to allow the bridge owner time for preventative 
maintenance. Presently, the draws open on signal for passage of river 
traffic. This deviation allows the bridges to remain closed to 
navigation for three hours from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 15, 
2004. Vessels not exceeding the vertical clearance of the drawbridge 
may pass under the drawbridges during the maintenance. There are no 
alternate routes for vessels transiting through mile 287.9 and mile 
288.1 on the Illinois Waterway. The drawbridges will be able to open 
for emergencies during the three-hour maintenance period.
    The Jefferson Street Bridge, mile 287.9 and Cass Street Bridge, 
mile 288.1 provide a vertical clearance of 16.6 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 inspect the entire steel deck for fractures, the bridges 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 bridges to normal operation 
as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: April 16, 2004.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-9483 Filed 4-26-04; 8:45 am]
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