[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 76298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31331]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1053]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Old Brazos River, Freeport, 
Brazoria County, 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 Swing Span Bridge across the Old Brazos River, 
mile 4.4, at Freeport, Brazoria County, Texas. This deviation allows 
the bridge to remain closed to navigation for four days to replace lift 
cables.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. December 16 through 6 
p.m. December 19, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1053 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1053 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 email Jim Wetherington, Bridge Management Specialist, Eighth 
Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone (504) 
671-2128, email: [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 Union Pacific Railroad Company has 
requested a temporary deviation from the published regulation for the 
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge across the Old Brazos River in 33 CFR 
117.975 which states: The draw of the Union Pacific railroad bridge, 
mile 4.4 at Freeport, shall be maintained in the fully open position, 
except for the crossing of trains or for maintenance.
    The requested deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed to 
marine traffic from 6 a.m. December 16 through 6 p.m. December 19, 
2011. The clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is 10.67 feet 
above mean sea level (MSL).
    This deviation will allow the lift span of the bridge to remain in 
the closed-to-navigation position in order for the cables to be 
replaced and re-tensioned. This work is necessary due to an ongoing 
bridge modification project, authorized by Coast Guard Bridge Permit 
Amendment P (7a-09-8) dated September 14, 2010. The project involves 
the replacement of the old swing span with the current vertical lift 
span.
    Vessel traffic at the bridge site consists of commercial fishing 
vessels, commercial dive boats and recreational boats. There are no 
alternate routes. During the closure times, the process for tensioning 
the cables will allow the bridge to be able to open for emergencies and 
occasionally for the passage of vessels once the new cables are in 
place and being tensioned. Current waterway users above the bridge are 
aware of the closure and have not objected to this time period. Vessels 
that do not require an opening can pass at any time.
    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 periods. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 21, 2011.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-31331 Filed 12-6-11; 8:45 am]
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