Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Corpus Christi-Port Aransas Channel-Tule Lake, Corpus Christi, TX

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Tule Lake Vertical Lift Span Highway and Railroad Bridge across the Corpus Christi—Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0, at Corpus Christi, Nueces County, TX. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation on two days. The deviation is necessary to replace haul ropes on the drawbridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2004, through 7 a.m. on Sunday, February 29, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, room 1313, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (504) 589-2965. The Bridge Administration Branch of the Eighth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Marcus Redford, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove and replace the haul ropes of the Tule Lake vertical lift span bridge across Corpus Christi—Port Aransas Channel, mile 14.0 at Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas. The replacement of the haul ropes will bring the bridge into compliance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers guidelines. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position continuously for 48 hours from 7 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2004, through 7 a.m. on Sunday, February 29, 2004.

The vertical lift span bridge has a vertical clearance of 9.0 feet above mean high water, elevation −1.0 feet Mean Sea Level and 11.0 feet above mean low water, elevation −1.0 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of oil tankers and tows with barges. There is no recreational pleasure craft usage at the bridge site. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with water way users, it has been determined that this two-day closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation an average of 850 times per month. The bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 117.5. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies during the closure period. Alternate routes are not available.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.