2018-08259. 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 the Portland Race for the Roses event. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to facilitate the safe movement of event participants across the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. to Noon on April 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0199, 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, the bridge owner, requested the Broadway Bridge be allowed to remain in closed-to-navigation position to vessel traffic to facilitate the safe, uninterrupted roadway passage of participants in the Portland Race for the Roses event. 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. This bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.897. This deviation allows the Broadway Bridge to not open to marine vessels from 5 a.m. to Noon (12 p.m.) on April 29, 2018. 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 requested objections from known river users, and no objections have been received. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position may do so at any time. 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: April 10, 2018.

Steven M. Fischer,

Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.