[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 226 (Monday, November 24, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27811]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0988]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Three Mile Creek, Mobile, 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 
operating schedule that governs the CSX Transportation Railroad Swing 
Span Bridge across Three Mile Creek, mile 0.3, at Mobile, Baldwin 
County, Alabama. This deviation is necessary to conduct maintenance to 
the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain temporarily 
closed to navigation for twelve hours during one day and then operate 
during daylight hours only for eight consecutive days within a span of 
nine days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 
27, 2014, through 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0988] 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 Geri Robinson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, 
call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CSX Transportation requested a temporary 
deviation to repair the center bearing and rack circle, which affects 
the opening and closing of the swing span bridge across Three Mile 
Creek at mile 0.3 at Mobile, Baldwin County, Alabama. This maintenance 
is essential for the continued operation of the bridge and is expected 
to guard against frequent breakdowns resulting in emergency bridge 
closures. The bridge owner plans to replace the center bearing and 
rehabilitate the rack circle. To accomplish the necessary repairs, the 
bridge owner requested that the bridge be allowed to remain closed to 
navigation for twelve consecutive hours on Thursday, November 27, 2014 
from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. to replace the center bearing. Immediately 
following this closure, the bridge owner will open the bridge to allow 
all vessels to clear the queue. After clearing the queue, the bridge 
will be closed to navigation until Friday, November 28, at 8 a.m. At 
that time, the bridge will open on signal from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. for 
eight consecutive days. During evening and nighttime hours, between 6 
p.m. and 8 a.m., the bridge will open at midnight for the passage of 
vessels if at least two hours advanced notice is given. During this 
temporary deviation, the bridge owner will rehabilitate and reinstall 
the rack circle. During this time period, the bridge will be opened by 
use of an assist tug and operations may take longer than normal. At 6 
p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2014, the bridge will return to normal 
operation.
    The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above 
mean high water and 12 feet above mean low water in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation on the waterway is primarily 
commercial, consisting of tugs with tows and fishing vessels. There is 
no recreational boat traffic at the bridge site. These closures have 
been discussed with waterway users and facilities and no objections to 
the closure have been expressed. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the 
draw of the bridge opens on signal. No alternate routes are available.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), this bridge 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: November 10, 2014.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2014-27811 Filed 11-21-14; 8:45 am]
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