[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27923]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-1109]


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 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 
27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-1109 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. 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 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
on December 27, 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 any time. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies during this closure period, 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 21, 2017.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-27923 Filed 12-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


