Document ID: USCG-2018-0799-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA
Posted Date: 2018-08-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18592]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0799]

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) Bridge, north 
bound, across the Columbia River, mile 106.5, between Portland, Oregon, 
and Vancouver, Washington. The deviation is necessary to conduct gear 
alignment and bearing clearances. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on September 10, 
2018, to 11:59 p.m. on September 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0799 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 (bridge 
owner) requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for 
the I-5 Bridge, north bound, mile 106.5, across the Columbia River 
between Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, to align lift span operating 
rope drive gear and sheave bearing clearances. The I-5 Bridge provides 
three designated navigation channels with vertical clearances ranging 
from 39 to 72 feet above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while the lift span 
is in the closed-to-navigation position. The normal operating schedule 
for the I-5 Bridge is 33 CFR 117.869. The deviation is effective from 
12:01 a.m. on September 10, 2018 until 11:59 p.m. on September 19, 
2018. The I-5 Bridges (north bound) are to remain in the closed to 
navigation position for the duration of the deviation, and need not be 
raised upon signal. Waterway usage on this part of the Columbia River 
includes vessels ranging from large commercial ships and tug and tow 
vessels to recreational pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
positions may do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open 
for emergencies, and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels 
to pass except for the fixed height spans. 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 effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: August 22, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-18592 Filed 8-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P