[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 170 (Friday, August 31, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53141-53142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21535]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0821]


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, OR and Vancouver, WA. 
This deviation is necessary to facilitate heavy maintenance on the 
bridges lift-spans. This deviation allows height-restricted lifts which 
will reduce the vertical clearance available to vessels transiting 
beneath the bridges.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on September 15, 2012 
through 6 p.m. October 14, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0821 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0821 in the 
``Keyword''

[[Page 53142]]

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.

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 which cross the Columbia River 
at mile 106.5 only be required to lift to a reduced height of 130 feet 
above Columbia River Datum for a 30 day period. The height restricted 
lifts are necessary to facilitate heavy maintenance on the bridges 
lift-spans. 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 while the lift 
spans are in the closed position. Vessels which do not require a full 
bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridges during this 
maintenance period. Under normal operation the bridges are governed by 
33 CFR 117.869, which requires that the draws open fully and promptly 
on signal except that the draws need not open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 
and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal 
holidays. The lift-spans when fully opened provide 178 feet of vertical 
clearance above Columbia River Datum. This deviation period is from 7 
a.m. on September 15, 2012 through 6 p.m. October 14, 2012. The 
deviation allows the lift spans of the I-5 Bridges across the Columbia 
River, mile 106.5, to be raised to a reduced height of 130 feet above 
Columbia River Datum from 7 a.m. on September 15, 2012 through 6 p.m. 
October 14, 2012. Scaffolding will be attached to the bridge during 
this maintenance evolution which will restrict the height the lift-
spans can be raised. Lift heights greater than 130 feet above Columbia 
River Datum will not be capable during this maintenance period from 
September 15, 2012 until October 14, 2012. 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: August 21, 2012.
Randall D. Overton,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-21535 Filed 8-30-12; 8:45 am]
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