80 FR 25 pgs. 6657-6658 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA

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Type: RULEVolume: 80Number: 25Pages: 6657 - 6658

Docket number: [Docket No. USCG-2015-0034]

FR document: [FR Doc. 2015-02329 Filed 2-5-15; 8:45 am]

Agency: Homeland Security Department

Sub Agency: Coast Guard

Official PDF Version: PDF Version

Pages: 6657, 6658

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0034]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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. This deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance to replace movable rail joints. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during maintenance activities.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 25, 2015, and from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0034] 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. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[top] BNSF has requested that the BNSF Swing Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, remain closed to vessel traffic to facilitate replacement of movable rail joints. During this maintenance period the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Columbia River at Vancouver, WA, will be disabled and the bridge will not be able to be open. The BNSF Swing Bridge, mile 105.6, provides 39 feet of vertical clearance

above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may do so at anytime. The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. The normal operating schedule for the BNSF Swing Bridge states that the bridge must open promptly and fully on request. This deviation allows the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, to remain in the closed position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 25, 2015, and 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 26, 2015. 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 commercial tug and tow vessels to recreational pleasure craft including cabin cruisers and sailing vessels. The bridge will not 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 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: January 22, 2015.

Steven M. Fischer,

Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 2015-02329 Filed 2-5-15; 8:45 am]

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