[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 203 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52976-52977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22801]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0300]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Willamette River at Portland, OR

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation; modification.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Burnside Bridge across the 
Willamette River, mile 12.4, at Portland, OR. The deviation is 
necessary to accommodate bridge repairs and upgrades. This modified 
deviation extends the period the Burnside Bridge is authorized to 
operate in single leaf mode.

DATES: This deviation is effective without actual notice from October 
19, 2018 to 4 p.m. on November 30, 2018. For purposes of enforcement, 
actual notice will be used from 4 p.m. on October 13, 2018, to October 
19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0300 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: On June 7, 2018, we published a temporary 
deviation entitled Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Willamette River at 
Portland, OR, in the Federal Register (83 FR 26364). That temporary 
deviation allowed Multnomah County to operate the subject bridge in 
single leaf, and reduce the vertical clearance from 7 a.m. on July 1, 
2018 to 4 p.m. on October 13, 2018. While performing upgrades and 
repairs, the contracting company informed Multnomah County more time 
will be needed to complete the job. This modification is required to 
extend the authorized time so bridge work crews may complete bridge 
upgrades and repairs. Multnomah County owns and operates the Burnside 
Bridge. Multnomah County requested an extension to the current 
published temporary deviation, and is authorized to operate the 
Burnside Bridge in single leaf, and maintain the east leaf closed to 
marine vessels from 4 p.m. on October 13, 2018 to 4 p.m. on November 
30, 2018.
    The Burnside Bridge provides a vertical clearance of 41 feet in the 
closed-to-navigation position referenced to Columbia River Datum 0.0, 
and the east leaf will be reduced to 31 feet with scaffolding 
installed. The horizontal clearance for the west leaf opening will be 
100 feet. The normal operating schedule is in 33 CFR 117.897. Waterway 
usage on this part of the Willamette River includes vessels ranging 
from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. The Coast Guard 
contacted all known users of the Willamette River for comment, and we 
received no objections for this deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open the 
west side of the span only for emergencies, and there is no immediate 
alternate route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard will inform the 
users of the waterway, 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.

[[Page 52977]]

    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedules 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: October 15, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-22801 Filed 10-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P