Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Mississippi River, Iowa and Illinois

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION:

Temporary deviation.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has authorized a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the Crescent Railroad Drawbridge, Mile 481.4, Upper Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain closed to navigation for 31 days from 12:01 a.m. on January 21, 2002, until 12:01 a.m. on February 21, 2002. The drawbridge shall open on signal if at least six (6) hours advance notice is given.

DATES:

This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 21, 2002, until 12:01 a.m., February 21, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this notice are available for inspection or copying at room 2.107f in the Robert A. Young Federal Building at Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832. The Bridge Branch maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, at (314) 539-3900, extension 378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On December 31, 2001 the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad requested the bridge be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position to allow the bridge owner time for preventative maintenance in the winter when there is less impact on navigation instead of scheduling maintenance in the summer when river traffic increases. The drawbridge operation regulations require the drawbridge to open on signal.

The Crescent Railroad Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 25.7 feet above normal pool in the closed to navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial tows and recreational watercraft. This deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 12:01 a.m. on January 21, 2002, until 12:01 a.m. on February 21, 2002. The drawbridge will open on signal if at least six (6) hours advance notice is given.