
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55256-55257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23141]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0873]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Snake River, Burbank, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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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 Snake River, mile 1.5, at Burbank, WA. The 
deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance to replace movable 
rail joints. 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 September 28, 2015 
until 7 p.m. on October 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0873] 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. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

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 d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF has requested that the BNSF Snake River 
Bridge across the Snake River, mile 1.5, remain in the closed-to-
navigation position to vessel traffic to perform railroad bridge 
maintenance. During this maintenance period, movable rail joints will 
be replaced at both ends of the lift span. The BNSF Snake River Bridge, 
mile 1.5, provides 14.1 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River 
Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. The normal operating schedule 
for the BNSF Snake River Bridge 3.08 operates in accordance with 33 CFR 
117.1058, and is automated and is normally maintained in the fully 
open-to-navigation position.
    The deviation allows the lift span of the BNSF Snake River Bridge 
across the Snake River, mile 1.5, to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
on September 28, 2015; from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 29, 2015; 
from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 30, 2015; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
on October 1, 2015. During the active maintenance, BNSF will lower the 
lift span in closed-to-navigation position. Waterway usage on this part 
of the

[[Page 55257]]

Snake 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-to-navigation 
position may do so at any time. The span will be able to open for 
maritime emergencies, but any time lost to emergency openings will 
necessitate a time extension added to the approved dates. 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: September 8, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-23141 Filed 9-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


