
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 167 (Monday, August 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20648]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0768]


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

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 facilitate repairs to the locking mechanisms on the rail deck 
of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the 
closed-to-navigation position for critical repairs that are essential 
to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on September 14, 2016 to 
5 a.m. on September 15, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2016-0768, 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, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois across the Upper 
Mississippi River. It has 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. The Rock Island Railroad and Highway 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.
    The deviation period is from 5 a.m. on September 14, 2016 to 5 a.m. 
on September 15, 2016 when the draw span will remain in the closed-to-
navigation position. During this time the bridge owner will facilitate 
critical repairs to the locking mechanisms on the rail deck of the 
bridge that are essential to the continued safe operation of the 
drawbridge. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and 
there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass this section 
of the Upper Mississippi River. The Coast Guard will also inform the 
users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge so that 
vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the 
temporary deviation.
    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: August 24, 2016.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2016-20648 Filed 8-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


