[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 31466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13411]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0460]


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. The 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-to-navigation position 
during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0460] 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: 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, 2015 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-to-navigation position.
    The normal operating schedule for the I-5 Bridges are 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. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2015. 
The deviation allows the lift spans of the I-5 Bridges across the 
Columbia River, mile 106.5, to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position and need not open for maritime traffic from 9 p.m. to 11:59 
p.m. on July 4, 2015.
    The bridge shall operate in accordance with 33 CFR 117.869 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.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will 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 drawbridges must return to 
their 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: May 28, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-13411 Filed 6-2-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P