[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9429-9430]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04434]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0126]


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 maintenance and replacement 
of various bridge components. 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. on March 5, 2018 to 4 
p.m. on March 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0126 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, bridge owner, requested that the BNSF 
Swing Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position to marine vessel traffic for maintenance 
and component replacement activities. The BNSF Swing Bridge provides 39 
feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the 
closed-to-navigation position. This deviation allows the BNSF Swing 
Bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position, and need not 
open for maritime traffic as listed in the table below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Time/date start            Time/date end            Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 a.m. Mar 5, 2018..........  4 p.m. Mar 5, 2018..  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 6, 2018..........  4 p.m. Mar 6, 2018..  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 7, 2018..........  4 p.m. Mar 7, 2018..  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 8, 2018..........  4 p.m. Mar 8, 2018..  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 9, 2018..........  4 p.m. Mar 9, 2018..  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 12, 2018.........  4 p.m. Mar 12, 2018.  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 13, 2018.........  4 p.m. Mar 13, 2018.  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
8 a.m. Mar 14, 2018.........  4 p.m. Mar 14, 2018.  span in the closed-
                                                     to-navigation
                                                     position.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The subject bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5. 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 be able to 
open for emergencies during this closure period if a one hour notice is 
given except on March 6, 2018 and March 8, 2018, and there is no 
immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. We contacted known river 
users, and requested objections to reschedule BNSF's maintenance 
period. We have not received any objections to this deviation. 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.


[[Page 9430]]


    Dated: February 8, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-04434 Filed 3-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


