Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Galveston, 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 Galveston Causeway Railroad Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for eight hours on May 25, 2004. The deviation is necessary to repair and replace joints on the bearing plates of the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 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, 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 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:

David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The BNSF RR has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove and replace damaged portions of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bascule Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 357.2 west of Harvey Locks, at Galveston, Galveston County, Texas. The repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2004.

The bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. No alternate routes are 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.