[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15348]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0605]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lewis and Clark River, Astoria, 
OR

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 Oregon State (Lewis and Clark 
River) highway bridge across the Lewis and Clark River, mile 1.0, at 
Astoria, Oregon. The deviation is necessary to accommodate bridge 
maintenance activities during the effective time period. The deviation 
allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position such 
that it need not open to maritime traffic.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on July 15, 2016 to 5 
p.m. on October 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0605] 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 Mr. Steven Fischer, Bridge 
Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-220-7282, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Oregon Department of Transportation 
(ODOT) has requested that the Lewis and Clark River Bridge, mile 1.0, 
be allowed to remain in the closed-to-navigation position such that it 
need not open to vessel traffic from 7 a.m. on July 15, 2016 until 5 
p.m. on October 31, 2016. The deviation is necessary to facilitate 
bridge maintenance activities to include repairing and preserving the 
bascule drawbridge structural steel. The Lewis and Clark River Bridge 
provides a vertical clearance of 17 feet above mean high water when in 
the closed-to-navigation position. However, during the bridge 
maintenance activities, the bascule span of the bridge will have a 
containment system installed which will reduce the vertical clearance 
by 5 feet to 12 feet above mean high water. The normal operating 
schedule of this bridge is detailed at 33 CFR 117.899(c).
    This deviation allows the bascule span of the Lewis and Clark River 
Bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position such that it such 
that it need not open to maritime traffic from 7 a.m. on July 15, 2016 
until 5 p.m. on October 31, 2016. However, the bascule span will be 
available to open on Wednesdays and Sundays with at least three-hour 
advanced notice. The bascule span will also open at any time for 
emergency situations with at least three-hour advanced notice. Vessels 
able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at 
anytime.
    Waterway usage on the Lewis and Clark River is primarily small 
recreational boaters and fishing vessels transiting to and from Fred 
Wahl Marine Construction Inc. ODOT has coordinated with Fred Wahl 
Marine Construction Inc. in this regard. No immediate alternate route 
is available 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 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: June 23, 2016.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-15348 Filed 6-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P