[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 115 (Thursday, June 16, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 35030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11849]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-05-039]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Corpus Christi--Port Aransas 
Channel--Tule Lake, Corpus Christi, 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 
Tule Lake Vertical Lift Span Highway and Railroad Bridge across the 
Corpus Christi--Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0, at Corpus Christi, 
Nueces County, TX. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for six hours each day for three consecutive days. This 
temporary deviation is necessary for the repair of the haul rope 
anchors of the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 
2005, through 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2005.

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, 
500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 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: Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Port of Corpus Christi Authority has 
requested a temporary deviation in order to repair the haul rope 
anchors of the Tule Lake vertical lift span bridge across Corpus 
Christi--Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0 at Corpus Christi, Nueces 
County, Texas. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain 
in the closed-to-navigation position from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on 
Tuesday, July 12, on Wednesday, July 13, and on Thursday, July 14, 
2005.
    The bridge has a vertical clearance of 9.0 feet above mean high 
water, elevation 1.0 foot Mean Sea Level and 11.0 feet above mean low 
water, elevation -1.0 foot Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-navigation 
position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of oil 
tankers and tows with barges. Recreational vessels do not generally 
transit this segment of the waterway. Due to prior experience, as well 
as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this 
three-day partial closure will not have a significant effect on these 
vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation an average of 850 
times per month. The bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 
117.5. The bridge may not be able to open for emergencies during the 
closure period. Alternate routes are not available.
    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 9, 2005.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-11849 Filed 6-15-05; 8:45 am]
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