[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12933-12934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05628]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0151]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Vancouver, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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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) 
Railway Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, at Vancouver, WA. 
This deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance to replace 
movable rail joints. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the 
closed position during maintenance activities.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 p.m. on April 27, 2015, until 
9 a.m. on April 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0151] 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 Mr. Steven Fischer, Bridge 
Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-220-7282, 
email [email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF has requested that the BNSF Swing 
Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, remain closed to vessel 
traffic to install final components of a Washington State DOT funded 
program for passenger service. During this installation period, the 
swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Columbia River at 
Vancouver, WA, will be in the closed-to-navigation position, however, 
the span may be opened for emergency vessels responding to any calls. 
The

[[Page 12934]]

BNSF Swing Bridge, mile 105.6, provides 39 feet of vertical clearance 
above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. Vessels 
able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may do so at 
anytime. The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 
CFR 117.5. The normal operating schedule for the BNSF Swing Bridge 
states that the bridge must open promptly and fully on request. This 
deviation allows the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the 
Columbia River, mile 105.6, to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 5 p.m. on April 
27, 2015 until 9 a.m. on April 28, 2015. The bridge shall operate in 
accordance to 33 CFR 117.5 at all other times. Waterway usage on this 
part of the Columbia River includes vessels ranging from commercial tug 
and tow vessels to recreational pleasure craft including cabin cruisers 
and sailing vessels. The bridge can be opened for emergency vessels in 
response to a call, however, if an opening for emergencies is needed, 
an extension of this deviation will be required to complete the work. 
No immediate alternate route for vessels to pass is available on this 
part of the river. 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 designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: March 5, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-05628 Filed 3-11-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P