2018-07622. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Carquinez Strait, Between Benicia and Martinez, 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 Union Pacific Railroad Drawbridge across the Carquinez Strait, mile 7.0, between Benicia and Martinez, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to replace drawspan operational components. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on April 26, 2018 through 6 p.m. on May 13, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0148, 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 Union Pacific Railroad Company has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Union Pacific Railroad Drawbridge over Carquinez Strait, mile 7.0, between Benicia and Martinez, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides a vertical clearance of 70 feet above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. The draw operates as required by 33 CFR 117.5. Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational.

The drawspan will be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 26 through April 29, 2018, and May 12 through May 13, 2018, to allow the bridge owner to replace the down haul wire ropes of the drawspan. 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 bridges in the closed position may do so at any time. The drawspan will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no alternative 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 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: April 9, 2018.

Carl T. Hausner,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.