[Federal Register: September 30, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 189)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56173-56174]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30se03-9]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD13-03-034]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Duwamish Waterway, Seattle, WA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the
First Avenue South Drawbridges across the Duwamish Waterway, mile 2.5,
at Seattle, Washington. This deviation allows the bridge to temporarily
operate only one leaf of the bascule unless notice is provided for
double-leaf openings. The deviation is necessary to facilitate painting
of the structure with
[[Page 56174]]
its mandatory contaminant containment system in place.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. September 15 through 6
p.m. November 11, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for
inspection or copying at Commander (oan), Thirteenth Coast Guard
District, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174-1067 between
7:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The telephone number is (206) 220-7270. The Bridge Section of
the Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch maintains the
public docket for this temporary deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Austin Pratt, Chief, Bridge Section,
Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch, (206) 220-7282.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) requested this deviation from normal operations
of the dual First Avenue South bascule bridges in order to facilitate
painting. The containment system for contaminants and other equipment
must be modified or removed in order to operate the movable span. WSDOT
has proposed to work on one leaf of the bascules at a time so that one
side of the bridges may remain operable according to the normal
operating regulations of the bridge. In this way, vessels that can
safely pass one-leaf openings may continue to pass the bridge during
the project. Other vessels need to provide five hours notice for
opening both sides of the bascule spans from 6 a.m. on September 15
through 6 p.m. on November 11, 2003. The five hours minimum notice will
enable the contractor to remove equipment, adjust rigging, and evacuate
workers from the leaf. Currently, the draws need not open for the
passage of vessels from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday, except all Federal holidays but Columbus Day.
Currently, the draws shall open at any time for vessels of 5000 gross
tons and over, a vessel towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons and over, or
a vessel proceeding to pick up for towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons
and over. At other times the draws open on signal for the passage of
vessels. Vessels on the related reach of the waterway should be able to
provide at least five hours notice for double-leaf openings without
unreasonable inconvenience. Traffic on the waterway includes container
barges with regularly scheduled movements as well as sailboats, motor
yachts, and tugboats. Large vessels of 5000 gross tons have not passed
through the dual bridges in recent years. This deviation does not
exempt these vessels from the five hours notice. The bridges when
closed provide 32 feet of vertical clearance above mean high water for
the central 100 feet of the drawspans.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: September 15, 2003.
Jeffrey M. Garrett,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 03-24691 Filed 9-29-03; 8:45 am]
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