[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 162 (Friday, August 21, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20671]



[[Page 50768]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0767]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Hood Canal, Port Gamble, 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 Hood Canal Floating Drawbridge 
across Hood Canal (Admiralty Inlet), mile 5.0, near Port Gamble, WA. 
This deviation allows the bridge to open the draw span half-way, 300 
feet; as opposed to all the way, which is 600 feet. One half of the 
span will remain closed, allowing for the replacements of bridge 
anchors for this section of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on August 27, 2015, 
until 7 p.m. on September 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0767] 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: Washington Department of Transportation 
(WSDOT) has requested that the Hood Canal Floating Drawbridge only open 
half of the span to facilitate safe and uninterrupted bridge anchor 
replacements. The Hood Canal Floating Drawbridge crosses Hood Canal, 
mile 5.0, near Port Gamble, WA. The bridge has two fixed spans (East 
and West), and one draw span (Main). The East span provides 50 feet of 
vertical clearance, and the West span provides 35 feet of vertical 
clearance. The Main span provides zero feet of vertical clearance in 
the closed-to-navigation position, and unlimited vertical clearance in 
the open-to-navigation position. Vertical clearances are referenced to 
mean high-water elevation.
    The deviation period allows the draw span of the Hood Canal 
Floating Drawbridge across Hood Canal, mile 5.0, to open half-way from 
6 a.m. on August 27, 2015 until 7 p.m. on September 30, 2015.
    During the time of the deviation, the drawbridge will not be able 
to operate according to the normal operating schedule. The normal 
operating schedule for the bridge is in accordance with 33 CFR 
117.1045, which allows, with at least one hour's notice, on signal, for 
the draw to open horizontally for 300 feet unless the maximum opening 
of 600 feet is requested; and need not open for vessel traffic from 3 
p.m. to 6:15 p.m. daily from 3 p.m. on May 22 to 6:16 p.m. on September 
30. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.1045 at all 
other times. Waterway usage on this part of Hood Canal includes vessels 
ranging from commercial tug and barge to U.S. Navy vessels, and vessels 
attending the missions of the U.S. Navy to small pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass through the East and West spans may do so at 
anytime. The Main span does not provide passage in the closed-to-
navigation position. The bridge will be able to open half the Main span 
for Navy vessels during emergencies, when requested by the Department 
of the Navy. The Hood Canal Floating Drawbridge has two immediate 
alternate spans for vessels to pass (East span and West span). 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: August 11, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-20671 Filed 8-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P