[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26573]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2017-1072]
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.
The deviation is necessary to accommodate replacement gears, shafts and
bearings. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-
navigation position during maintenance activities.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on December 19, 2017 to
7 p.m. on December 21, 2017.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-1072 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 marine vessel
traffic to install new swing gears, shafts and bearings. 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, when an hour's notice has been given, 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 subject bridge operates in accordance with 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 December 19, 2017, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 21, 2017. 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 large ships to 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-to-
navigation position may do so at anytime. The bridge will be able to
open for emergencies, if an hour's notice is given, and there is no
immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. 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: December 4, 2017.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-26573 Filed 12-8-17; 8:45 am]
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