2016-12663. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; St. Croix River, Stillwater, MN

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Stillwater Highway Bridge across the St. Croix River, mile 23.4, at Stillwater, Minnesota. The deviation is necessary due to increased vehicular traffic after a local Independence Day fireworks display. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to clear increased vehicular traffic congestion.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., July 4, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, (USCG-2016-0426) 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 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 Bridge, across the St. Croix River, mile 23.4, at Stillwater, Minnesota. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4, 2016.

The Stillwater Highway Bridge currently operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.667(b), which states specific seasonal and commuter hour operating requirements.

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. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.

The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section of the St. Croix River. 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 the 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: May 24, 2016.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.