2018-22746. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sacramento River, Sacramento, CA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Tower Drawbridge over the Sacramento River, mile 59.0, at Sacramento, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to conduct mechanical and electrical rehabilitation work on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective without actual notice from October 19, 2018 through 6 a.m. on December 1, 2018. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 6 a.m. on October 8, 2018 until October 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0153, 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 Carl T. Hausner, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The California Department of Transportation has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Tower Drawbridge, mile 59.0, over the Sacramento River, at Sacramento, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides a vertical clearance of 30 feet above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. The draw operates as required by 33 CFR 117.189(a). Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational.

The drawspan will be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on October 8, 2018 through 6 a.m. on December 1, 2018, to allow the bridge owner to replace the bridge's wire rope and traveler cable and to conduct chain and trunnion bearing inspection and servicing. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with the waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies if at least 72-hour notice is given to the bridge operator. There is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge 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 effective period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: October 15, 2018.

Carl T. Hausner,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.