
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 243 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 78978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31856]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket Number USCG-2015-1087]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, Rock 
Island, IL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Rock Island Railroad and Highway 
Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 482.9, at Rock 
Island, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner 
time to perform preventive maintenance and critical repairs that are 
essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge, and is 
scheduled in the winter when there is less impact on navigation. This 
deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-
navigation position for 21 days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m., February 8, 2016 until 
5 p.m., February 28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-1087] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge 
Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone 314-269-2378, 
email Eric.Washburn@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal requested 
a temporary deviation for the Rock Island Railroad and Highway 
Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 482.9, at Rock 
Island, Illinois to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for 21 
days from 8 a.m., February 8, 2016 to 5 p.m., February 28, 2016, while 
preventive maintenance and critical repairs that are essential to the 
continued safe operation of the drawbridge are performed.
    The Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge currently operates 
in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement 
that the drawbridge shall open on signal.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section 
of the Upper Mississippi River. The bridge cannot open in case of 
emergency.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the 
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No. 13 (Mile 522.5 UMR) and 
Lock No. 21 (Mile 324.9 UMR) from 7 a.m. January 4, 2016 until 12 p.m., 
March 4, 2016 will preclude any significant navigation demands for the 
drawspan opening. In addition, Army Corps Lock No. 14 (Mile 493.3 UMR) 
and Lock No. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) will be closed from 7 a.m. December 
14, 2015 until 12 p.m. March 2, 2016.
    The Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge provides a vertical 
clearance of 23.8 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation 
position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial 
tows and recreational watercraft and will not be significantly 
impacted. 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: December 15, 2015.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2015-31856 Filed 12-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


