[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 36655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14554]



[[Page 36655]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0450]


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 Norfolk Southern (NS) 
Railroad vertical lift drawbridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 
44.9, near Jackson, between Washington and Clarke Counties, Alabama. 
The deviation is necessary for emergency replacement of the counter 
weights and operation cables. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain closed to navigation for two 72-hour closures and an additional 
12-hour closure all over a 12-day period.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday July 8, 2013 
through 7 p.m. Friday July 19, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0450] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. 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 NS Railroad has requested a temporary 
deviation from the operating schedule for the vertical lift drawbridge 
across the Tombigbee River, mile 44.9, near Jackson, between Washington 
and Clarke Counties, Alabama. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 8 
feet above ordinary high water at an elevation 24.9 ft (NGVD 29) in the 
closed-to-navigation position. Vessels requiring a clearance of less 
than 8 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 from 7 a.m. on Monday July 8, 2013 through 7 a.m. on 
Thursday July 11, 2013. A second 72 hour closure is scheduled from 7 
a.m. on Monday July 15, 2013 through 7 a.m. on Thursday July 18, 2013. 
Finally, an additional 12 hour closure is scheduled from 7 a.m. through 
7 p.m. on Friday July 19, 2013. At all other times, the bridge will 
operate in accordance with Title 33 CFR 117.5.
    The closure is necessary for the replacement of worn counter 
weights and operation cables. They were discovered after a general 
maintenance inspection. This maintenance was then 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.
    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. If 
vessels can pass without an opening they may proceed 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. 2013-14554 Filed 6-18-13; 8:45 am]
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