
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8362-8363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01420]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0008]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Tombigbee River, Naheola, AL

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 Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) 
vertical lift bridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 128.6 (Black 
Warrior Tombigbee Waterway mile 173.6) at Naheola, between Choctaw and 
Marengo Counties, Alabama. The deviation is necessary to conduct 
maintenance essential for the continued safe operation of the bridge. 
This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position for certain daytime hours for two (2) three day periods 
between Friday, January 20, 2017, and Sunday, January 29, 2017.

[[Page 8363]]


DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Friday, 
January 20, 2017, through 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0008] 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 Giselle MacDonald, Bridge 
Administration Branch, Coast Guard, telephone (504) 671-2128, email 
Giselle.T.MacDonald@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the 
Meridian & Bigbee (MNBR) vertical lift bridge across the Tombigbee 
River, mile 128.6 (Black Warrior Tombigbee Waterway mile 173.6) at 
Naheola, between Choctaw and Marengo Counties, Alabama, in order to 
replace the mitre rails, which are essential for the continued safe 
operation of the bridge. The current bridge operating schedule is found 
in 33 CFR 117.118, and the bridge has a vertical clearance of 12.2 feet 
above ordinary high water (OHW), elevation of 64.5 feet, in the closed-
to-navigation position and 55 feet above OHW in the open-to-navigation 
position.
    This deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., each day, January 20, 
2017, through January 22, 2017, and from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., each day, 
January 27, 2017, through January 29, 2017, with a scheduled two-hour 
opening, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., each day to facilitate passage of 
vessel traffic. The bridge will be open-to-navigation to facilitate 
vessel traffic at night.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. Navigation on the waterway consists of tugs with 
tows, fishing vessels, and recreational craft.
    The Coast Guard will inform the waterways users through Local and 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for 
the bridge so that vessel operators 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: January 17, 2017.
Eric Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-01420 Filed 1-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


