[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 233 (Friday, December 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 75811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30637]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0999]


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 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 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 remain closed for up to 120 hours in duration 
occasionally to replace larger components as long as 72-hours notice is 
given to the USCG District Eight Western Rivers Bridge Branch.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 p.m., December 14, 2015 until 
9 a.m., February 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, (USCG-2015-0999) 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.

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].

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 
77 days from 5 p.m., December 14, 2015 until 9 a.m., February 29, 2016 
for scheduled maintenance on the bridge. The deviation further allows 
the bridge to remain closed for up to 120 hours in duration 
occasionally to replace larger components as long as 72-hours notice is 
given to the USCG District Eight Western Rivers Bridge Branch.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that 
the drawbridge shall open on signal.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section 
of the Upper Mississippi River. The bridge cannot open in case of 
emergency.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the 
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No. 13 (Mile 522.5 UMR) and 
Lock No. 21 (Mile 324.9 UMR) from 7 a.m. January 4, 2016 until 12 p.m., 
March 4, 2016 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the 
drawspan opening. In addition, Army Corps Lock No. 14 (Mile 493.3 UMR) 
and Lock No. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) will be closed from 7 a.m. December 
14, 2015 until 12 p.m. March 2, 2016.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge provides a vertical 
clearance of 19.9 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation 
position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial 
tows and recreational watercraft and will not be significantly 
impacted. The drawbridge will open if at least 24-hours advance notice 
is given and will close for up to 120 hours provided 72-hours advance 
notice is given to the USCG District Eight Western Rivers Bridge 
Branch. 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: November 27, 2015.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2015-30637 Filed 12-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P