2017-05075. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Willamette River, Portland, OR

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 Broadway Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 11.7, at Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary to accommodate maintenance and equipment upgrades. This deviation allows the bridge to operate the double bascule span one side at a time, single leaf, to install and test new equipment.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 p.m. on May 26, 2017 to 6 a.m. on September 20, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0164, 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 [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Multnomah County requested the Broadway Bridge be authorized to open half the span in single leaf mode. The Broadway Bridge crosses the Willamette River at mile 11.7, and provides 90 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0 while in the closed-to-navigation position, and provides 125 feet of horizontal clearance with half the span open. This bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.897. This deviation allows the double bascule span of the Broadway Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 11.7, to operate the bridge in single leaf mode to marine traffic. This deviation allows the bridge to operate the double bascule span one side at a time, single leaf, to install and test new equipment. The deviation period to open the east span only will cover the following dates: From 7 p.m. on May 26, 2017 to 7 a.m. on May 27, 2017; from 7 p.m. on May 27, 2017 to 7 a.m. on May 28, 2017; from 7 p.m. on June 2, 2017 to 7 a.m. on June 3, 2017; from 7 p.m. on June 3, 2017 to 7 a.m. on June 4, 2017; from 6 a.m. on June 15, 2017 to 6 a.m. on July 20, 2017. The deviation period to open the west span only will cover the following dates: From 7 p.m. on July 28, 2017 to 7 a.m. on July 29, 2017; from 7 p.m. on July 29, 2017 to 7 a.m. on July 30, 2017; from 7 p.m. on August 4, 2017 to 7 a.m. on August 5, 2017; from 7 p.m. on August 5, 2017 to 7 a.m. on August 6, 2017; from 6 a.m. on August 16, 2017 to 6 a.m. on September 20, 2017. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.897 at all other times. Waterway usage on this part of the Willamette River includes vessels ranging from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. We have coordinated with the majority of known waterway users and there were no objections to this schedule.

Vessels able to pass through the bridge 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 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: March 9, 2017.

Steven M. Fischer,

Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.