[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 23 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 5916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02098]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2016-0076]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the
operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
Railway Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, at Vancouver, WA.
This deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance to replace
movable rail joints. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the
closed position during maintenance activities.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on March 8, 2016, to 7
p.m. on March 17, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0076] 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 Mr. Steven Fischer, Bridge
Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-220-7282,
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF requested that the BNSF Swing Bridge
across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, remain closed to vessel traffic
to remove and replace rail joints. During this installation period, the
swing span of the bridge will be in the closed-to-navigation position;
however, the span may be opened for maritime emergencies, but any
emergency opening will necessitate a time extension to the approved
dates. The BNSF Swing Bridge, mile 105.6, provides 39 feet of vertical
clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the closed position.
The current operations for the swing bridge is in 33 CFR 117.5. This
deviation allows the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the
Columbia River, mile 105.6, to remain in the closed-to-navigation
position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
on March 8, March 10, March 15, March 16 and March 17, 2016. These
dates coincide with the Columbia River Bonneville lock and the Dalles
lock. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.5 at all
other times. Waterway usage on this part of the Columbia River includes
vessels ranging from commercial tug and tow vessels to recreational
pleasure craft including cabin cruisers and sailing vessels.
Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may
do so at anytime. For the duration of the repair work, vessels will not
be allowed to pass through the bridge. The bridge will be able to open
for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels
to pass. The bridge can be opened for emergency vessels in response to
a call, however, if an opening for emergencies is needed, an extension
of this deviation will be required to complete the work. No immediate
alternate route for vessels to pass is available on this part of the
river.
The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways 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 designated
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: January 29, 2016.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-02098 Filed 2-3-16; 8:45 am]
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