Rules and Regulations. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2015-02329 · Docket No. USCG-2015-0034 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, at Vancouver, WA. This deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance to replace movable rail joints. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during maintenance activities.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 25, 2015, and from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 26, 2015.

Supplementary Information

BNSF has requested that the BNSF Swing Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, remain closed to vessel traffic to facilitate replacement of movable rail joints. During this maintenance period the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Columbia River at Vancouver, WA, will be disabled and the bridge will not be able to be open. The BNSF Swing Bridge, mile 105.6, provides 39 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the closed position. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may do so at anytime. The current operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. The normal operating schedule for the BNSF Swing Bridge states that the bridge must open promptly and fully on request. This deviation allows the swing span of the BNSF Railway Bridge across the Columbia River, mile 105.6, to remain in the closed position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 25, 2015, and 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on February 26, 2015. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.5 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. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route 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 designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: January 22, 2015. Steven M. Fischer, Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2015-02329 Filed 2-5-15; 8:45 am]