Drawbridge Operation Regulation: Upper Mississippi River, Keokuk, IA, Activity Identifier; Repair and Maintenance

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 Keokuk Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 364.0, at Keokuk, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to allow time for performing needed maintenance and repairs to the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given from 12:01 a.m., January 12, 2009 until 9 a.m., February 8, 2009.

DATES:

This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 12, 2009 until 9 a.m., February 8, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-1256 and are available online at www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: 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, and the Robert A. Young Federal Building, Room 2.107F, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-2832, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Roger K. Wiebusch, Bridge Administrator, (314) 269-2378.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The City of Keokuk, Iowa requested a temporary deviation for the Keokuk Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi, mile 364.0, at Keokuk, Iowa to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given in order to facilitate needed bridge maintenance and repairs. The Keokuk 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. In order to facilitate the needed bridge work, the drawbridge must be kept in the closed-to-navigation position. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given from 12:01 a.m., January 12, 2009 until 9 a.m., February 8, 2009.

There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the Upper Mississippi River.

The Keokuk Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 25.2 feet above normal pool. 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.