
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 106 (Monday, June 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25726-25727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11524]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0453]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Portland, OR and 
Vancouver, 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 Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridges across 
the Columbia River, mile 106.5, between Portland, Oregon, and 
Vancouver, Washington. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the 
movement of heavier than normal roadway traffic associated with the 
Independence Day fireworks show near the I-5 Bridges. This deviation 
allows the bridges to remain in the closed-to-navigation position 
during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0453 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: Oregon Department of Transportation (bridge 
owner) requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for 
the I-5 Bridges, mile 106.5, across the Columbia River between 
Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, to facilitate safe passage of 
participants in the Independence Day fireworks show event. The I-5 
Bridges provides three designated navigation channels with vertical 
clearances ranging from 39 to 72 feet above

[[Page 25727]]

Columbia River Datum 0.0 while the lift spans are in the closed-to-
navigation position. The normal operating schedule for the I-5 Bridges 
is codified at 33 CFR 117.869. The subject bridges need not open to 
marine vessels during the deviation period from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on 
July 4, 2017. The bridge shall operate in accordance with 33 CFR 
117.869 at all other times. Waterway usage on this part of the Columbia 
River includes vessels ranging from large commercial ships, tug and tow 
vessels to recreational pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridges in the closed-to-navigation 
positions may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies, 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 drawbridges must return to 
their regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the 
effective period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the 
operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: May 24, 2017
Steven M. Fischer
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-11524 Filed 6-2-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


