Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Illinois Waterway, Near Morris, IL

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Drawbridge across the Illinois Waterway, mile 270.6, near Morris, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow removal of the existing lift span and installation of the replacement lift span. This deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position for eighty-four hours.

DATES:

This deviation is effective starting 7 a.m. on July 9, 2011 through 7 p.m. on July 12, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0594 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0594 in the “Keyword” box and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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 rule, call or e-mail Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone (314) 269-2378, e-mail Eric.Washburn@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Canadian National Railroad requested a temporary deviation for Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Drawbridge, across the Illinois Waterway, mile 270.6, near Morris, Illinois to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for eighty-four hours while the existing lift span is removed and the replacement lift span is installed. The Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Drawbridge currently 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 Illinois Waterway.

The Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 26.3 feet above flat pool. Due to construction activities, vessels will be unable to pass the bridge site during this 84-hour period. 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 designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.