2014-16608. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Old River, Between Victoria Island and Byron Tract, 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 Route 4 Highway Drawbridge across Old River, mile 14.8, between Victoria Island and Byron Tract, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to paint mechanical components of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective without actual notice from July 16, 2014 until 6 a.m. on July 20, 2014. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 10 p.m. on July 13, 2014, until July 16, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0575], 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. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions on this temporary deviation, call or email David H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The California Department of Transportation has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Route 4 Highway Drawbridge, mile 14.8, over Old River, between Victoria Island and Byron Tract, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides 12 feet vertical clearance above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. Pursuant 33 CFR 117.183, the draw opens on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at other times, opening the draw on signal if at least four hours advance notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista drawbridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8. Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational.

The drawspan will be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from July 13, 2014 to July 20, 2014 to allow Caltrans to paint several mechanical components of the bridge. 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 bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the deviation period. An alternative route around Victoria Island may be used for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. 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: July 2, 2014.

D.H. Sulouff,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.