
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 149 (Friday, August 4, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 36332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16425]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0715]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Isthmus Slough at Coos Bay, OR

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 Oregon Department of Transportation's 
(ODOT) Isthmus Slough Bridge, mile 1.0 across Isthmus Slough at Coos 
Bay, OR. This deviation is necessary to accommodate painting and 
preservation and upgrading electrical systems. The deviation allows the 
bridge to operate in single leaf mode or one half of the bascule span, 
and reduce the vertical clearance of the non-functional leaf.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on September 1, 2017 to 
6 a.m. on February 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0715 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. Danny McReynolds, Bridge 
Management Specialist, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-
220-7234, email d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ODOT, bridge owner, has requested a 
temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the Isthmus Slough 
Bridge, mile 1.0 across Isthmus Slough at Coos Bay, OR. The requested 
deviation is to accommodate painting and preservation and upgrading 
electrical systems. To facilitate this event, the double bascule bridge 
will operate in single leaf mode (half of the span), and reduce the 
vertical clearance of the non-functioning leaf. Isthmus Slough Bridge 
provides a vertical clearance of 28 feet in the closed-to-navigation 
position referenced to the vertical clearance above mean high water 
tide level. Ten feet of containment will be installed under the closed-
to-navigation leaf only, and will reduce the vertical clearance to 18 
feet. Vessels that do not require an opening may transit under the 
bridge at any time.
    The normal operating schedule for the subject bridge is 33 CFR 
117.879. This deviation allows the Isthmus Bridge to operate in single 
leaf, half opening, and reduce the vertical clearance of the non-
functioning leaf by 10 feet to 18 feet; and need not open for maritime 
traffic from 6 a.m. on September 1, 2017 to 6 a.m. on February 26, 
2018. The functional bascule leaf shall open on signal if at least 24 
hours notice is given. Waterway usage on Isthmus Slough includes 
vessels ranging from small commercial tugs, commercial fishing vessels, 
police search and rescue to small pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able open half of 
the double bascule in single leaf mode for emergencies as soon as 
possible, and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to 
pass. The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway, through 
our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners, of the change in operating 
schedule for the bridges 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 
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: July 25, 2017.
Steven Michael Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-16425 Filed 8-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


