Document ID: USCG-2012-1002-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operations: Upper Mississippi River, Dubuque, IA (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2012-11-21T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 21, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28282]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-1002]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, 
Dubuque, IA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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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 Upper 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 continued 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.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m., December 16, 2012, to 7 
a.m. March 4, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-1002 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-1002 in the 
``Search'' 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, email 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 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 in 
order to facilitate needed bridge maintenance and repairs. The Rock 
Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance 
with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that 
drawbridges must 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 7 
a.m. December 16, 2012 until 7 a.m., March 4, 2013.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section 
of the Upper Mississippi River.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-
navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 19.9 feet above 
normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of 
commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will open 
if at least 24-hours advance notice is given. 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 8, 2012.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2012-28282 Filed 11-20-12; 8:45 am]
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