[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 217 (Thursday, November 12, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58210-58211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27134]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket Number USCG-2009-0960]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Victoria Barge Canal, 
Bloomington, 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 
Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Vertical Lift Span Bridge across the 
Victoria Barge Canal, mile 29.4 at Bloomington, Victoria County, Texas. 
The deviation is necessary to allow for one phase of an on-going 
maintenance project to replace the lift span motors and brakes. This 
deviation provides for the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 12 
consecutive hours on November 23 and 24, 2009, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
each day.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 23, 
2009 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0960 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-0960 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search.'' They are 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 or e-mail Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration Branch, Eighth Coast 
Guard District; telephone 504-671-2128, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, 
call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Victoria County Navigation District has 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the UPRR 
Vertical Lift Span Bridge across the Victoria Barge Canal, mile 29.4 at 
Bloomington, Texas. The vertical lift bridge has a vertical clearance 
of 22 feet above high water in the closed-to-navigation position and 50 
feet above high water in the open-to-navigation position.
    Presently, the bridge opens on signal for the passage of vessels. 
This deviation allows the draw span of the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for 12 consecutive hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day 
on November 23 and 24, 2009. Navigation on the waterway consists mainly 
of tugs with tows. Due to prior experience and coordination with 
waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not

[[Page 58211]]

have a significant effect on these vessels.
    The vertical lift bridge has a vertical clearance of 22 feet above 
high water in the closed-to-navigation position and 50 feet above high 
water in the open-to-navigation position. No alternate routes are 
available. The closures are necessary for one phase of an on-going 
maintenance project to replace the lift span motors and brakes on the 
bridge. As this work is proposed during hurricane season, the work may 
be postponed and rescheduled, should any tropical storms or hurricanes 
enter or develop in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard has coordinated 
the closures with the commercial users of the waterway.
    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: October 27, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-27134 Filed 11-10-09; 8:45 am]
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