Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, IA

The Coast Guard proposes to change the operating schedule that governs the draws of all bridges between Lock and Dam No. 14, mile 493.3, and Lock and Dam No. 10, mile 615.1, on the Upper Mississippi River by adding a 24-hour notice requirement for openings during the winter season. This proposed rule would allow the drawbridges to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for extended periods allowing the owners of the drawbridges to perform preventive maintenance that is essential to the safe operation of the drawbridges. This proposed rule would allow for flexibility in beginning these special operating schedules each year based on the arrival of winter weather.