[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 22, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 3496]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01240]


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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 change in deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: On December 2, 2013, the Coast Guard issued a temporary 
deviation, lasting approximately 10 weeks, from the operating schedule 
that governs the Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper 
Mississippi River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, Iowa. This temporary 
deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours 
advance notice is given. It 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. We are 
modifying that temporary deviation to allow for two three-day periods 
during the deviation when the bridge will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position.

DATES: The temporary deviation published in the Federal Register of 
December 2, 2013, (78 FR 72022) remains in effect; however, from 8 
a.m., January 20, 2014 to 8 a.m., January 23, 2014 and 8 a.m. February 
3, 2014, to 8 a.m., February 6, 2014, the bridge will remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position.

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 Cheryl Collins, 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 temporary 
deviation published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2013 (78 FR 
72022). The Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad further requested, to 
support preventative maintenance on the bridge, to leave the bridge in 
the closed-to-navigation position for 6 days from 8 a.m., January 20, 
2014 to 8 a.m., January 23, 2014 and 8 a.m., February 3, 2014 to 8 
a.m., February 6, 2014. The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge 
regularly 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. 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 of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: January 9, 2013.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2014-01240 Filed 1-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P