Document ID: USCG-2017-0826-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operations: Willamette River, Portland, OR
Posted Date: 2017-09-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 169 (Friday, September 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 41520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18546]

[[Page 41520]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0826]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Willamette River, Portland, OR

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 Morrison Bridge across the 
Willamette River, mile 12.8, at Portland, Oregon. The deviation is 
necessary to accommodate Multnomah County's (bridge owner) replacement 
of the bridge decking. This deviation allows the bridge to only open 
half of the span, single leaf, to allow for the replacement of bridge 
decking. The deviation also allows the vertical clearance to be reduced 
due to the project's containment system.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on September 5, 2017 
through 7 p.m. on October 31, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0826 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 d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Multnomah County has requested that the 
Morrison Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 12.8, be allowed to 
only open half the span, 92 feet, as opposed to a full opening, 185 
feet, to accommodate the replacement of the bridge decking. The county 
has also requested to reduce the vertical clearance of the non-
functioning leaf with scaffolding erected 10 feet below the lower 
bridge cord for a containment system, and require at least a two hour 
advance notice for an opening. The Morrison Bridge is a double bascule 
bridge. When the bascule span is in the closed-to-navigation position, 
the bridge provides 69 feet of vertical clearance, which will be 
reduced to 59 feet with the containment system in place. The normal 
operating schedule for the Morrison Bridge is in accordance with 33 CFR 
117.897(c)(3)(iv). The vertical clearance is above Columbia River Datum 
0.0.
    The deviation period is from 6 a.m. on September 5, 2017 through 7 
p.m. on October 31, 2017. The deviation allows the Morrison Bridge 
operator to only open half the span for maritime traffic with at least 
a two hour advanced notice. Waterway usage on this part of the 
Willamette River includes vessels ranging from commercial tug and barge 
to small pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass through the Morrison Bridge in the closed-to-
navigation position may do so at any time. A tug will be provided, upon 
request, to assist vessels through the single leaf span opening. The 
bridge will be able to open half the span for emergencies with a two 
hour notice 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 bridges so that vessel operators 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: August 25, 2017.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-18546 Filed 8-31-17; 8:45 am]
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