[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38004-38005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15543]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0581]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, 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 Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridges across 
the Columbia River, mile 106.5, between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, 
Washington. This deviation is necessary to facilitate the movement of 
heavier than normal roadway traffic associated with the Independence 
Day fireworks show near the I-5 Bridges. This deviation allows the 
bridges to remain in the closed position during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. on July 4, 2012 through 
11:59 p.m., July 4, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0581 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0581 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available 
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

[[Page 38005]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email the Bridge Administrator, Coast Guard Thirteenth 
District; telephone 206-220-7282 email [email protected]. If 
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oregon Department of Transportation has 
requested that the Interstate 5 Bridges across the Columbia River 
remain closed to vessel traffic to facilitate heavier than normal 
roadway traffic volume associated with a fireworks show on July 4, 2012 
near the bridges. The I-5 Bridges cross the Columbia River at mile 
106.5 and provide three designated navigation channels with vertical 
clearances ranging from 39 to 72 feet above Columbia River Datum 0.0 
while the lift spans are in the closed position. Vessels which do not 
require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridges 
during this closure period. Under normal operation the bridges operate 
in accordance with 33 CFR 117.869, which states that the draws shall 
open on signal except that the draws need not open 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 
and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding federal 
holidays. This deviation period is from 9 p.m. on July 4, 2012 through 
11:59 p.m., July 4, 2012. The deviation allows the lift spans of the I-
5 Bridges across the Columbia River, mile 106.5, to remain in the 
closed position and need not open for maritime traffic from 9 p.m. 
through 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2012. The lift spans will be required to 
open, if needed, for vessels engaged in emergency response operations 
during this closure period. The bridge shall operate in accordance with 
33 CFR 117.869 at all other times. Waterway usage on this stretch of 
the Columbia River includes vessels ranging from commercial tug and tow 
vessels to recreational pleasure craft. Mariners will be notified and 
kept informed of the bridge's operational status via the Coast Guard 
Notice to Mariners publication.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridges must return to 
their 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: June 13, 2012.
Randall D. Overton,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-15543 Filed 6-25-12; 8:45 am]
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