
[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 d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil.

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]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


