[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76750-76751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30219]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0990]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chambers Creek, Steilacoom, 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 Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) 
Chambers Creek Railway Bridge across Chambers Creek, mile 0.0, at 
Steilacoom, WA. The deviation is necessary to allow BNSF to perform 
maintenance and upgrade items to this vertical lift bridge in support 
of Positive Train Control requirements per the Rail Safety Improvement 
Act of 2008. This will require locking the bridge in the closed 
position and locking out the power to the drive system while the work 
is conducted. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed 
position for 45 days during the maintenance and upgrade work.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on January 6, 2014 to 5 
p.m. on February 19, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0990], 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 Steven Fischer, Thirteenth District 
Bridge Program Administrator, Coast Guard; telephone 206-220-7282, 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) will be 
performing lift bridge maintenance and upgrades for the BNSF Chambers 
Creek Railway Bridge across Chambers Creek, mile 0.0, near Steilacoom, 
WA. The

[[Page 76751]]

bridge provides 50 feet of vertical clearance in the raised position, 
10 feet of vertical clearance in the closed position and 80 feet of 
horizontal clearance. Reference plan is mean high water elevation of 
12.2 feet. The normal operation schedule falls under 33 CFR Sec.  117.5 
which states ``Except as otherwise authorized or required by this part, 
drawbridges must open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels 
when a request or signal to open is given in accordance with this 
subpart.''
    This deviation period is effective from 8 a.m. on January 6, 2014 
to 5 p.m. on February 19, 2014. The deviation is necessary for BNSF to 
perform maintenance and upgrade items to this vertical lift bridge 
including replacement of a link pin bearing in the lift system, 
replacing lower racks for the counterweight and conducting signal 
system upgrades in support of Positive Train Control requirements per 
the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This will require locking the 
bridge in the closed position and locking out the power to the drive 
system while the work is conducted.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may 
do so at anytime. 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 effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: December 9, 2013.
Steven M. Fischer,
Thirteenth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-30219 Filed 12-18-13; 8:45 am]
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