Document ID: USCG-2011-0029-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Notice
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation: Upper Mississippi River, Keokuk, IA (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2011-02-08T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 6694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2688]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket Number USCG-2011-0029]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Keokuk, 
IA

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 the bridge owner time 
to perform the needed maintenance and repairs to the bridge that is 
essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position for thirty days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 30, 2011 
until 9 a.m., February 28, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0029 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0029 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 email 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 City of Keokuk, Iowa requested a 
temporary deviation for the Keokuk Drawbridge, across the Upper 
Mississippi River, mile 364.0, at Keokuk, Iowa to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position 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. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 12:01 a.m., January 30, 2011 until 9 a.m., February 28, 
2011.
    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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Lock 20, mile 343.2, Lock 21, 
mile 324.9, and Lock 22, mile 301.2 from January 30, 2011 to February 
28, 2011 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the 
drawspan to open.
    The Keokuk Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation position, 
provides a vertical clearance of 25.0 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.

    Dated: January 24, 2011.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-2688 Filed 2-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P