[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9635]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2009-0283]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Galveston, 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 
Galveston Causeway Railroad Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal 
Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston 
County, Texas. This deviation provides for the bridge to remain closed 
to navigation for five hours a day for 14 non-consecutive days in order 
to perform scheduled maintenance.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2009 
until noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0283 and are available online 
at www.regulations.gov, selecting the Advanced Docket Search Option on 
the right side of the screen, inserting USCG-2009-0283 in the Docket ID 
box, pressing Enter, and then clicking on the item in the Docket ID 
column. This material is also available for inspection or copying at 
the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone 504-671-2128. 
If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, 
Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Northern Railway Company has 
requested a temporary deviation in order to perform necessary 
maintenance on the rail joints of the Galveston Causeway Railroad 
Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west 
of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. The maintenance 
is essential for the continued safe operation of the railroad bridge. 
This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until noon, Monday through Thursday 
from Monday, May 11, 2009 until Wednesday, June 3, 2009. The bridge 
will operate normally for the passage of vessels on Memorial Day, 
Monday, May 27, 2009. During the closure the draw will be able to open 
for emergencies after securing the ties on the bridge. Currently, the 
draw opens on signal for the passage of vessels.
    The bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above mean high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of 
the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational 
pleasure craft. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with 
waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have 
a significant effect on these vessels. No alternate routes are 
available. This closure is considered necessary for repair of the 
bridge.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must 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: April 13, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E9-9635 Filed 4-27-09; 8:45 am]
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