[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7922]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0250]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Mile 21.6, Illinois Waterway, 
Hardin, IL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Hardin Drawbridge across the 
Illinois Waterway, mile 21.6, at Hardin, Illinois. The deviation is 
necessary to replace the main gear case that operates the lift span. 
The gear case has been making noise indicating possible failure. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position while the 
existing gear box is replaced with one recently fabricated.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on April 3, 2012 through 
7 p.m. on April 5, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0250 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0250 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 Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, 
Coast Guard 314-269-2378, 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 Illinois Department of Transportation 
requested a temporary deviation for the Hardin Drawbridge, across the 
Illinois Waterway, mile 21.6, at Hardin, Illinois to remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position for a two and one half day period while 
the main gear case is replaced. The closure period will start at 7 a.m. 
on or about April 3, 2012 and end at 7 p.m. on April 5, 2012.
    Once the existing gear case is removed, the lift span will not be 
able to open, even for emergencies, until the replacement gear box is 
installed.
    The Hardin Drawbridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 
117.5, which states the general requirement that drawbridges shall open 
promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is 
given in accordance with the subpart.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section 
of the Illinois Waterway. The Hardin Drawbridge, in the closed-to-
navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 25.9 feet above 
normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of 
commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This temporary deviation 
has been coordinated with the waterway users.
    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: March 22, 2012.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2012-7922 Filed 4-2-12; 8:45 am]
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