Document ID: USCG-2018-0301-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA
Posted Date: 2018-05-31T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 105 (Thursday, May 31, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24936-24937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11669]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0301]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Portland, OR and 
Vancouver, WA

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 Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridges across 
the Columbia River, mile 106.5, between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, 
WA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the movement of heavier 
than normal roadway traffic associated with the Independence Day 
fireworks show near the I-5 Bridges. This deviation allows the bridges 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0301 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: Oregon Department of Transportation, the 
bridge owner, requested a temporary deviation from the operating 
schedule for the I-5 Bridges, mile 106.5, across the Columbia River 
between Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, to facilitate safe passage of 
participants in the Independence Day fireworks show event. The I-5 
Bridges provides three designated navigation channels with vertical 
clearances ranging from 39 to 72 feet above Columbia River Datum 0.0 
while the lift spans are in the closed-to-navigation position. The I-5 
Bridges operate in accordance with 33 CFR 117.869(a). The subject 
bridges need not open to marine vessels during the deviation period 
from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2018. The bridges shall operate in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.869(a) at all other times. Waterway usage on 
this part of the Columbia River includes vessels ranging from large 
commercial ships, tug and tow vessels to recreational pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridges in the closed-to-navigation 
positions may do so at any time. The bridges will be able to open for 
emergencies, and this part of the Columbia River has no 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

[[Page 24937]]

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 drawbridges must return to 
their 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: May 23, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-11669 Filed 5-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P