[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 229 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 62700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28704]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket Number USCG-2009-1011]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Victoria Barge Canal, 
Bloomington, Texas

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 replacement of the steel lift 
cables of the draw span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, December 
9, 2009 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1011 and are available online 
by going to www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-1011 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 10 consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on 
intermittent days from December 9 through December 23, 2009. 
Uncontrollable variables such as material supply delays and inclement 
weather make it difficult to predict the exact dates that work can be 
conducted. Thus, the exact dates for the closures cannot be firmly 
scheduled. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District 
Local Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners System as soon as information pertaining 
to the exact closure dates becomes available. 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 have a significant effect on these vessels.
    No alternate routes are available. The closures are necessary for 
the replacement of the steel lift cables on the bridge. The Coast Guard 
will coordinate the closures with the commercial users of the waterway 
as exact closure dates are known.
    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: November 18, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-28704 Filed 11-30-09; 8:45 am]
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