[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 73842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29212]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0875]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Mississippi River, Clinton, IA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, across 
the Upper Mississippi River, mile 518.0, at Clinton, 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 
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. 
It further allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 72-hours 
advance notice is given from January 5, 2015 to February 13, 2015.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 p.m., December 15, 2014 until 
9 a.m., March 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, (USCG-2014-0875) 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 F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Union Pacific Railroad requested a 
temporary deviation for the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, across the 
Upper Mississippi River, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa to open on signal 
if at least 24-hours advance notice is given for 76 days from 5 p.m., 
December 15, 2014 to 9 a.m., March 1, 2015 for scheduled maintenance on 
the bridge. The deviation further allows the bridge to open on signal 
if at least 72-hours advance notice from 8 a.m. January 5, 2015 until 5 
p.m. February 13, 2015.
    The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance 
with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that drawbridge 
shall open on signal.
    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. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) and 
Lock No. 20 (Mile 343.2 UMR) from 7 a.m. January 5, 2015 until 12 p.m., 
March 6, 2015 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the 
drawspan opening. In addition, Army Corps Lock No. 12 (Mile 556.7 UMR) 
and Lock No. 13 (Mile 522.5 UMR) will be closed from 7:30 a.m., 
December 15, 2014 until 11 a.m. March 4, 2015.
    The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation 
position, provides a vertical clearance of 18.7 feet above normal pool. 
Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and 
recreational watercraft and will not be significantly impacted. This 
temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users and will 
not be significantly impacted. 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: November 25, 2014.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2014-29212 Filed 12-11-14; 8:45 am]
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