[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 189 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56173-56174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-24691]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD13-03-034]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Duwamish Waterway, Seattle, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
First Avenue South Drawbridges across the Duwamish Waterway, mile 2.5, 
at Seattle, Washington. This deviation allows the bridge to temporarily 
operate only one leaf of the bascule unless notice is provided for 
double-leaf openings. The deviation is necessary to facilitate painting 
of the structure with

[[Page 56174]]

its mandatory contaminant containment system in place.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. September 15 through 6 
p.m. November 11, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at Commander (oan), Thirteenth Coast Guard 
District, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174-1067 between 
7:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The telephone number is (206) 220-7270. The Bridge Section of 
the Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch maintains the 
public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Austin Pratt, Chief, Bridge Section, 
Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch, (206) 220-7282.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Washington State Department of 
Transportation (WSDOT) requested this deviation from normal operations 
of the dual First Avenue South bascule bridges in order to facilitate 
painting. The containment system for contaminants and other equipment 
must be modified or removed in order to operate the movable span. WSDOT 
has proposed to work on one leaf of the bascules at a time so that one 
side of the bridges may remain operable according to the normal 
operating regulations of the bridge. In this way, vessels that can 
safely pass one-leaf openings may continue to pass the bridge during 
the project. Other vessels need to provide five hours notice for 
opening both sides of the bascule spans from 6 a.m. on September 15 
through 6 p.m. on November 11, 2003. The five hours minimum notice will 
enable the contractor to remove equipment, adjust rigging, and evacuate 
workers from the leaf. Currently, the draws need not open for the 
passage of vessels from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
Monday through Friday, except all Federal holidays but Columbus Day. 
Currently, the draws shall open at any time for vessels of 5000 gross 
tons and over, a vessel towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons and over, or 
a vessel proceeding to pick up for towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons 
and over. At other times the draws open on signal for the passage of 
vessels. Vessels on the related reach of the waterway should be able to 
provide at least five hours notice for double-leaf openings without 
unreasonable inconvenience. Traffic on the waterway includes container 
barges with regularly scheduled movements as well as sailboats, motor 
yachts, and tugboats. Large vessels of 5000 gross tons have not passed 
through the dual bridges in recent years. This deviation does not 
exempt these vessels from the five hours notice. The bridges when 
closed provide 32 feet of vertical clearance above mean high water for 
the central 100 feet of the drawspans.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed 
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as 
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: September 15, 2003.
Jeffrey M. Garrett,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 03-24691 Filed 9-29-03; 8:45 am]
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