Document ID: USCG-2018-1028-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Snohomish River, Everett, WA
Posted Date: 2018-11-16T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 222 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 57689]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25058]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-1028]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Snohomish River, Everett, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
Railway Company (BNSF) Railroad Bridge (BNSF Bridge 37.0) across the 
Snohomish River, mile 3.5 near Everett, WA. The deviation is necessary 
to accommodate scheduled replacement of bridge ties across the swing 
span replacement. The deviation allows the bridge to remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 11 a.m. on November 26, 2018 to 
3 p.m. on December 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-1028 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 the Bridge Administrator, Coast 
Guard Thirteenth District; telephone 206-220-7282 email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BNSF has requested a temporary deviation 
from the operating schedule for the BNSF Bridge 37.0, mile 3.5, across 
the Snohomish River, near Everett, WA. BNSF requested for BNSF Bridge 
37.0 be allowed to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for 
swing span maintenance. This maintenance will improve the reliability 
of the bridge for marine openings. The normal operating schedule for 
the subject bridge is in 33 CFR 117.5. BNSF Bridge 37.0 is a swing 
bridge and provides 9 feet of vertical clearance above mean high water 
elevation while in the closed-to-navigation position.
    This deviation allows the BNSF Bridge 37.0 to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position, and need not open for maritime traffic from 11 
a.m. on November 26, 2018 to 3 p.m. on December 14, 2018 per the table 
below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         From time/date             To time/date        Span position
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 a.m./Nov 26, 2018...........  3 p.m./Nov 30,      Closed.
                                  2018.
11 a.m./Dec 3, 2018............  3 p.m./Dec 7, 2018  Closed.
11 a.m./Dec 10, 2018...........  3 p.m./Dec 14,      Closed.
                                  2018.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.5 at all other 
times. Vessels able to pass through the subject bridge in the closed-
to-navigation position may do so at any time. The bridge will be 
required to open, if needed, for vessels engaged in emergency response 
operations during this closure period.
    Waterway usage on this part of the Snohomish River includes tug and 
barge to small pleasure craft. The BNSF Bridge 37.0 receives an average 
number of three opening request during this time of year. BNSF has 
coordinated with Snohomish River users that frequently request bridge 
openings during this time of year. An alternate route for vessels to 
pass is available through Steamboat Slough to the north. 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 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: November 9, 2018.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2018-25058 Filed 11-15-18; 8:45 am]
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