Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2012-1439 · Docket No. USCG-2012-0026 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Bridge, also known as the St Johns RR Bridge, across the Willamette River, mile 6.9, at Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary to facilitate track maintenance involving welding on the movable section of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during maintenance activities.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on January 30, 2012 through 3 p.m. February 1, 2012.

Supplementary Information

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway has requested to not open the BNSF Railroad Lift Bridge for vessels to facilitate track maintenance. The bridge, also known as the St Johns RR Bridge, crosses the Willamette River at mile 6.9 and provides 54 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0, while in the closed position. Vessels which do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridge during this closure period. Under normal operations this bridge opens on signal as required by 33 CFR 117.5. The deviation period is from 9 a.m. on January 30, 2012 through 3 p.m. February 1, 2012. This deviation allows the lift span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 6.9, to remain in the closed position and need not open for maritime traffic from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. daily from January 30, 2012 through February 1, 2012. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.5 at all other times. Waterway usage on this stretch of the Willamette River includes vessels ranging from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. Mariners have been notified and will be kept informed of the bridge's operational status via the Coast Guard Notice to Mariners publication and Broadcast Notice to Mariners as appropriate. Due to the nature of work being performed the draw span will be unable to open for maritime traffic during this maintenance period. 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: January 11, 2012. Randall D. Overton, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012-1439 Filed 1-24-12; 8:45 am]