Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 236 (Monday, December 11, 2017)
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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