81 FR 36470 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Columbia River, Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 109 (June 7, 2016)

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, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. 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.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 7, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 36470]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13360]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2016-0468]


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, Oregon, and 
Vancouver, Washington. 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, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2016-0468] 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: The Oregon Department of Transportation has 
requested that the I-5 Bridges across the Columbia River remain closed 
to vessel traffic to facilitate heavier than normal roadway traffic 
volume associated with a fireworks show on July 4, 2016 near the 
bridges. The I-5 Bridges cross the Columbia River at mile 106.5, and 
provide 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 normal 
operating schedule for the I-5 Bridges is codified at 33 CFR 117.869. 
This deviation period is from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2016. The 
deviation allows the lift spans of the I-5 Bridges across the Columbia 
River, mile 106.5, to remain in the closed-to-navigation position, and 
need not open for maritime traffic during that period. The bridge shall 
operate in accordance with 33 CFR 117.869 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.
    Vessels able to pass under the bridges in the closed positions may 
do so at anytime. The bridge will 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 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: June 1, 2016.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016-13360 Filed 6-6-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P