[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36653-36654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14547]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0441]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Tombigbee River, AL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
regulation governing the operation of the Meridian Bigbee Railroad 
(MBRR) vertical lift bridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 128.6, 
near Naheola, between Choctaw and Morengo Counties, Alabama. The 
deviation is necessary for emergency replacement of the uphaul and 
downhaul ropes. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for two 10-hour closures on two consecutive weekends.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. July 13, 2013 through 5 
p.m. July 21, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0441] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 36654]]

Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' 
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this deviation. 
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
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 
temporary deviation, call or email Jim Wetherington, Bridge Branch 
Office, Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The MBRR has requested a temporary deviation 
from the operating schedule for the Meridian Bigbee vertical lift 
bridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 128.6, near Naheola, between 
Choctaw and Morengo Counties, Alabama. The bridge has a vertical 
clearance of 12 feet above ordinary high water at an elevation of 58 ft 
(NGVD 29) in the closed-to-navigation position. Vessels requiring a 
clearance of less than 12 feet above ordinary high water may transit 
beneath the bridge during maintenance operations.
    In accordance with Title 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge must open 
promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when requested or 
signaled to open. This deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed 
to marine traffic on July 13-14, 2013 from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. each 
day and July 20-21 from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day. At all other 
times, the bridge will operate in accordance with Title 33 CFR 117.5.
    The closure is necessary for the replacement of the uphaul and 
downhaul ropes. Problems were discovered after an incident in which a 
cable ceased to function. An inspection of the other ropes revealed 
issues that must be quickly addressed. 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 tugs with and without tows, 
commercial vessels, and recreational craft. Coordination between the 
Coast Guard and the waterway users determined that there should not be 
any significant effects on these vessels. The bridge will be unable to 
open during these repairs and no alternate route is available. Vessels 
that do not require an opening may pass with extreme caution.
    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: June 6, 2013.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-14547 Filed 6-18-13; 8:45 am]
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