[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 72022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28692]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0964]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, 
Dubuque, IA

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 
operating schedule that governs the Illinois Central Railroad 
Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, 
Iowa. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to 
perform preventive maintenance that is essential to the continued safe 
operation of the drawbridge. Maintenance is scheduled in the winter and 
when there is less impact on navigation; instead of scheduling work in 
the summer, when river traffic increases. This deviation allows the 
bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., December 18, 2013 
to 7 a.m. March 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0964] 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 Eric A. Washburn, Bridge 
Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone 314-269-2378, 
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 Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad 
requested a temporary deviation for the Illinois Central Railroad 
Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, 
Iowa to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given for 
76 days from 12:01 a.m., December 18, 2013 to 7 a.m., March 3, 2014 to 
allow the bridge owner time for preventive maintenance. The Illinois 
Central Railroad 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 Upper Mississippi River.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the 
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No 18 (Mile 410.5 UMR) and 
Lock No. 22 (Mile 301.2 UMR) until 11:00 a.m., March 4, 2014 will 
preclude any significant navigation demands for the drawspan opening.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-
navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 19.9 feet above 
normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of 
commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will open 
if at least 24-hours advance notice is given. This temporary deviation 
has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective 
period time of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the 
operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 18, 2013.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2013-28692 Filed 11-29-13; 8:45 am]
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