[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53375-53376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23028]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0940]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Steamboat Slough (Snohomish 
River), Marysville, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from 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 
Railway Company (BNSF) Railroad Bridge (BNSF Bridge 37.0) across 
Steamboat Slough (Snohomish River), mile 1.0 near Marysville, WA. The 
deviation is necessary to accommodate scheduled replacement of bridge 
ties across the swing span replacement. The deviation allows the bridge 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the maintenance 
to allow safe movement of work crews.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 11 a.m. on November 26, 2018 to 
3 p.m. on December 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0940 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 Steven M. Fischer, the Bridge 
Administrator, Coast Guard Thirteenth District; telephone 206-220-7282 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF has requested a temporary deviation 
from the operating schedule for the BNSF Bridge 37.0, mile 1.0, 
crossing Steamboat Slough (Snohomish River), near Marysville, WA. BNSF 
requested for BNSF Bridge 37.0 be allowed to remain in the closed-to-
navigation position for swing span maintenance. This maintenance will 
improve the reliability of the bridge for marine openings. The normal 
operating schedule for the subject bridge is in 33 CFR 117.1059. BNSF 
Bridge 37.0 is a swing bridge and provides 8 feet of vertical clearance 
above mean high water elevation while in the closed-to-navigation 
position.
    This deviation allows the BNSF Bridge 37.0 to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 11 
a.m. on November 26, 2018 to 3 p.m. on December 14, 2018 per the table 
below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        From time/date               To time/date         Span position
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11 a.m./Nov 26, 2018..........  3 p.m./Nov 30, 2018...  Closed.
11 a.m./Dec 3, 2018...........  3 p.m./Dec 7, 2018....  Closed.
11 a.m./Dec 10, 2018..........  3 p.m./Dec 14, 2018...  Closed.
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[[Page 53376]]

    The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.1059 at all 
other times. Vessels able to pass through the subject bridge in the 
closed-to-navigation position may do so at any time. The bridge will be 
required to open, if needed, for vessels engaged in emergency response 
operations during this closure period.
    Waterway usage on this part of the Snohomish River and Steamboat 
Slough includes tug and barge to small pleasure craft. The BNSF Bridge 
37.0 receives an average number of three opening request during this 
time of year. BNSF has coordinated with Steamboat Slough users that 
frequently request bridge openings during this time of year. 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 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: October 16, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-23028 Filed 10-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


