[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 76 (Friday, April 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23487-23488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09282]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0253]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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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, 2013 to 11:59 
p.m. on July 4, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0253] 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,

[[Page 23488]]

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 Randall Overton, Bridge 
Administrator, Coast Guard Thirteenth District; telephone 206-220-7282, 
email [email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oregon Department of Transportation has 
requested that the I-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, 2013 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, 2013 to 11:59 
p.m. on July 4, 2013. 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. on July 4, 
2013 to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2013. 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: April 9, 2013.
Randall D. Overton,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-09282 Filed 4-18-13; 8:45 am]
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