[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28538]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-1003]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Steamboat Slough (Snohomish 
River), Marysville, WA

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 Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railway Company (BNSF) Railroad Bridge (BNSF Steamboat Slough Bridge) 
across Steamboat Slough (Snohomish River), mile 1.0 near Marysville, 
WA. The deviation is necessary to accommodate scheduled bridge rail 
joint maintenance and replacement. The deviation allows the bridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the maintenance to 
allow safe movement of work crews.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on November 29, 2015 to 
11:59 p.m. on December 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-1003] 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 206-220-7282 email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF has requested a temporary deviation 
from the operating schedule for the BNSF Steamboat Slough Bridge, mile 
1.0, crossing Steamboat Slough (Snohomish River), near Marysville, WA. 
BNSF requested the BNSF Steamboat Slough Bridge remain in the closed-
to-navigation position for rail maintenance. This maintenance has been 
scheduled and is funded as part of the Cascade Corridor Improvement 
Project.
    The normal operating schedule for this bridge operates in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.1059, which states the draw shall open on 
signal if at least four hours notice is given. BNSF Steamboat Slough 
Bridge is a swing bridge and provides 8 feet of vertical clearance 
above mean high water elevation while in the closed-to-navigation 
position.
    This deviation allows the BNSF Steamboat Slough Bridge at mile 1.0 
crossing Steamboat Slough on the Snohomish River, to remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position, and need not open for maritime traffic 
from 6 a.m. on November 29, 2015 to 11:59 p.m. on December 20, 2015. 
The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.1059 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 be required to open, if 
needed, for vessels engaged in emergency response operations during 
this closure period, but any time lost to emergency openings will 
necessitate a time extension added to the approved dates. Waterway 
usage on this part of the Snohomish River and Steamboat Slough includes 
tug and barge to small pleasure craft. The BNSF Steamboat Slough Bridge 
receives an average number of three opening request during the month of 
December. BNSF has coordinated with Steamboat Slough users that 
frequently request bridge openings during this time of year. 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 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: November 3, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-28538 Filed 11-9-15; 8:45 am]
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