[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2570-2571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-792]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-05-006]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Upper Mississippi River, Fort 
Madison, IA and Burlington, IA

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 
Fort Madison Drawbridge, mile 383.9, Fort Madison, Iowa and the 
Burlington Railroad Drawbridge, mile 403.1, Burlington, Iowa, across 
the Upper Mississippi River. This deviation allows the drawbridges to 
remain closed to navigation unless at least 4 hours advance notice is 
given for an opening from 8 a.m., January 24, 2005, until 8 a.m., March 
1, 2005, Central Standard

[[Page 2571]]

Time. The deviation is necessary to allow time for making repairs of 
critical mechanical components essential to the continued safe 
operation of the drawbridges.

DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 8 a.m., January 24, 
2005 through 8 a.m., March 1, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at Room 2.107F in the Robert A. Young Federal 
Building, 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, (314) 539-3900, extension 2378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway 
Company requested a temporary deviation to allow time to conduct 
repairs to the Fort Madison Drawbridge, mile 383.9 at Fort Madison, 
Iowa and Burlington Railroad Drawbridge, mile 403.1 at Burlington, 
Iowa, across the Upper Mississippi River. The Fort Madison Drawbridge 
and Burlington Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance 
with 33 CFR 117.5 which requires the drawbridges to open promptly and 
fully for passage of vessels when a request to open is given in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117, subpart A. In order to facilitate required 
bridge maintenance during the winter months, when the number of vessels 
likely to be impacted is minimal, the bridges must be kept in the 
closed to navigation position. This deviation allows the bridges to 
remain closed to navigation for 37 days from 8 a.m., January 24, 2005 
until 8 a.m., March 1, 2005. The drawbridges will open during this time 
period upon 4 hours advance notice. There are no alternate routes for 
vessels transiting through mile 383.9 and 403.1 on the Upper 
Mississippi River.
    The Fort Madison Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 13.1 
feet above normal pool and the Burlington Railroad Drawbridge provides 
a vertical clearance of 21.5 feet above normal pool. 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 bridges to normal operation 
as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: January 7, 2005.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-792 Filed 1-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P