[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 204 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 63919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26819]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0967]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Willamette River, Portland, OR

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Hawthorne Bridge, mile 13.1, across 
the Willamette River at Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary for 
maintenance repairs to the bridge lifting mechanism. This deviation 
allows the bridges to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to 
allow safe and timely movement of workers.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 
15, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0967] 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email the Bridge Administrator, Coast 
Guard Thirteenth District; telephone 206-220-7234 email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Multnomah County has requested that the 
Hawthorne Bridge, mile 13.1, across the Willamette River at Portland, 
Oregon remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 5 a.m. until 5 
p.m. on November 15, 2015 to allow for critical maintenance repairs to 
the bridge lifting mechanism.
    The Hawthorne Bridge is a vertical lift bridge providing 49 feet of 
vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position, and unlimited 
clearance in the open position referenced to the vertical clearance 
above Columbia River Datum 0.0. The Hawthorne Bridge operates in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.897, which allows the bridge to remain 
closed between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through 
Friday. No advance notice for an opening is required.
    Moderate to heavy vessel traffic exists on this part of the 
Willamette River, including vessels ranging from commercial tug and 
barge to small pleasure craft. The average number of drawbridge 
openings for the time covered by this deviation is three lifts. This 
deviation allows the lift span of the Hawthorne Bridge across the 
Willamette River, mile 13.1, to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 5 a.m. until 5 
p.m. on November 15, 2015. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 
CFR 117.897 at all other times.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to 
immediately open for emergencies, and there is no immediate alternate 
route for vessels to pass. However, with a two hour notification for an 
emergency opening request, the lift mechanism may be reassembled for 
the lift span to be opened. Major waterway users have been notified and 
coordinated with for this deviation period. 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 bridges 
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: October 16, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-26819 Filed 10-21-15; 8:45 am]
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