[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 89862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29809]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-1043]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Kennewick, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge 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 (BNSF) 
Railroad Bridge (Kennewick-Pasco Railroad Bridge) across the Columbia 
River, mile 328, at Kennewick, WA. This deviation is necessary to 
accommodate maintenance to replace a lift motor and install span 
controls. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed 
position during installation activities.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on January 9, 2017 to 8 
p.m. on January 20, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2016-1043 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: BNSF requested that the Burlington Northern 
Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad Bridge (Kennewick-Pasco Railroad Bridge) 
across the Columbia River, mile 328, remain closed to vessel traffic to 
replace a lift motor and install span controls. The Kennewick-Pasco 
Railroad Bridge provides 18 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia 
River Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. The current operations 
for the bridge is in 33 CFR 117.1035. This deviation allows the span of 
this bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position, and need 
not open for maritime traffic from 8 a.m. on January 9, 2017 to 8 p.m. 
on January 20, 2017. These dates coincide with the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers schedule closures of the Columbia River navigation locks. The 
bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.1035 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 including cabin cruisers and sailing vessels.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at anytime. During the first week of the installation period, the 
span of the bridge will not be able to open for maritime emergencies; 
however, the span may be opened during the second week of installation 
work for maritime emergencies, but any emergency opening will 
necessitate a time extension to the approved dates. 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 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: December 7, 2016.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-29809 Filed 12-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P