[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44142-44143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18401]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0682]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Neches River, Beaumont, TX

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 Kansas City Southern vertical lift 
span bridge across the Neches River, mile 19.5, at Beaumont, Texas. The 
deviation is necessary to replace south vertical lift joints on the 
bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation 
for eight consecutive hours.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. on 
Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0682 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0682 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 Kay Wade, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; 
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 Kansas City Southern Railroad has

[[Page 44143]]

requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the 
vertical lift span bridge across the Neches River at mile 19.5 in 
Beaumont, Texas. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-
navigation position is 13 feet above Mean High Water and 140 feet above 
Mean High Water in the open-to-navigation position.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.971, the vertical lift span of the 
bridge is automated and normally not manned but will open on signal for 
the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of 
the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 
Wednesday, August 8, 2012.
    The closure is necessary in order to replace the south vertical 
lift joints on the bridge, which allow the bridge to be raised. This 
maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the bridge. 
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.
    Navigation on the waterway consists of commercial and recreational 
fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and 
without tows. No alternate routes are available for the passage of 
vessels; however, the closure was coordinated with waterway interests 
who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations 
around the proposed work schedule. Small vessels may pass under the 
bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is 
exercised.
    The bridge will be able to open manually in the event of an 
emergency, but it will take about one hour to do so.
    Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it 
has been determined that this closure will not have a significant 
effect on vessels that use 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: July 17, 2012.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-18401 Filed 7-26-12; 8:45 am]
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