2018-23940. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; St. Croix River, Stillwater, MN

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Stillwater Highway Bridge across the St. Croix River, mile 23.4, at Stillwater, Minnesota to facilitate required repair work while minimizing potential navigation impacts. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the winter season.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. November 1, 2018, through 11:59 p.m. April 27, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0996, 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. Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation requested a temporary deviation for the Stillwater Highway Drawbridge, across the St. Croix River, mile 23.4, at Stillwater, Minnesota to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the winter season, starting 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2018 and ending 11:59 p.m. on April 27, 2018 in order to complete needed repairs. The Stillwater Highway Bridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.667(b). The Stillwater Highway Bridge provides a vertical clearance of 10.9 feet above normal pool in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of commercial sightseeing/dinner cruise boats and recreational watercraft. Vessels able to pass under the bridge in the closed position 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. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterways through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in the 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 29, 2018.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.