[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 104 (Thursday, May 31, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30263-30264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10496]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-07-012]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Illinois Waterway, Beardstown, 
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 operations of the 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, Mile 88.8, at Beardstown, 
Illinois across the Illinois Waterway. The deviation is necessary to 
allow time for replacement of rail ties which only can be done when the 
bridge is in the closed-to-navigation position. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation during a 4-hour

[[Page 30264]]

interval each day for eight days in a two week period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. June 4, 2007, to 1 p.m. 
June 14, 2007.

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 
telephone number is 314-269-2300. The Bridge Administration Branch 
maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge 
Administrator, (314) 269-2378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway 
Company requested a temporary deviation for the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, mile 88.8, at Beardstown, Illinois across the 
Illinois Waterway. It has a vertical clearance of 19.6 feet above 
normal pool in the closed position. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railroad Bridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.393(a) 
which requires that the bridge be maintained in the open-to-navigation 
position; closing only when a train needs to transit the bridge.
    The deviation period is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., each day, June 4-7 
and 11-14, 2007, when the draw span will be maintained in the closed-
to-navigation position. During this time rail ties will be pulled from 
the tracks and replaced. Both commercial vessels and recreational 
watercraft use the waterway. Most commercial vessels can not pass 
underneath the bridge while it is in the closed position. If an 
emergency arises, it would be possible to open the bridge, once workers 
and equipment have been moved from the drawspan. There are no alternate 
routes for vessels transiting this section of the Illinois Waterway. 
The Corps of Engineers will be performing repairs to the Melvin Price 
Lock and Dam, mile 200.8, Upper Mississippi River for maintenance from 
May 10 to June 24, 2007 which will minimize commercial vessel movements 
between the bridge and the lock locations. Minimal impact to navigation 
is expected.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), the drawbridge shall return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: May 21, 2007.
Roger K. Wiebusch,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E7-10496 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am]
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