
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 89 (Monday, May 9, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 26606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11269]



[[Page 26606]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0311]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Neches River, Beaumont, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
KCS vertical lift span bridge across the Neches River, mile 19.5, at 
Beaumont, Texas. The deviation is necessary to replace four haul cables 
on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for 72 consecutive hours.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2011 
to 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0311 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0252 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 David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; 
telephone 504-671-2128, e-mail David.M.Frank@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 Kansas City Southern Railroad has 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the 
vertical lift span bridge across the Neches River at mile 19.5 in 
Beaumont, Texas. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-
navigation position is 13 feet above Mean High Water and 140 feet above 
Mean High Water in the open-to-navigation position.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.971, the vertical lift span of the 
bridge is automated and normally not manned but will open on signal for 
the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of 
the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. on Monday, May 
23, 2011 through 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011.
    The closure is necessary in order to replace four haul cables on 
the bridge that allow the bridge to be raised. This maintenance is 
essential for the continued operation of the bridge. Notices will be 
published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners 
and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners 
System.
    Navigation on the waterway consists of commercial and recreational 
fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and 
without tows. No alternate routes are available for the passage of 
vessels; however, the closure was coordinated with waterway interests 
who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations 
around the proposed work schedule. Small vessels may pass under the 
bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is 
exercised.
    Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it 
has been determined that this closure will not have a significant 
effect on vessels that use the waterway.
    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: April 26, 2011.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-11269 Filed 5-6-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


