
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 21, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79066-79067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32636]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1018]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, 
Clinton, IA

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 
Clinton Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 
518.0, at Clinton, 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 12:01 a.m., January 2, 2012 to 
9 a.m. March 2, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1018 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1018 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

[[Page 79067]]

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, 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 Union Pacific Railroad requested a 
temporary deviation for the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, across the 
Upper Mississippi River, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa to open on signal 
if at least 24 hours advance notice is given for 61 days from 12:01 
a.m., January 2, 2012 to 9 a.m., March 2, 2012 to allow the bridge 
owner time for preventive maintenance. The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge 
currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the 
general requirement that drawbridge 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 Upper Mississippi River.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the 
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No. 16 (Mile 457.2 UMR), Lock 
No. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) and Lock No. 18 (Mile 410.5 UMR) until 4:30 
p.m., March 2, 2012 will preclude any significant navigation demands 
for the drawspan opening.
    The Clinton Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-navigation 
position, provides a vertical clearance of 18.7 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 designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 21, 2011.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-32636 Filed 12-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


