Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Steamboat Slough, Grand Island, CA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the California Highway 160 Drawbridge across Steamboat Slough, mile 11.2, at the head of Grand Island, Sacramento County, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow California Department of Transportation to paint and perform routine maintenance on the drawbridge. This deviation allows single leaf operation of the double leaf bascule style drawbridge during the project.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. September 7, 2011 to 6 p.m. November 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of the docket USCG-2011-0808 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0808 in the “Keyword” box and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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 rule, call or e-mail David H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone 510-437-3516, e-mail David.H.Sulouff@uscg.mil If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The California Department of Transportation has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Steamboat Slough Drawbridge, mile 11.2 Steamboat Slough, at the head of Grand Island, CA. The drawbridge provides 21 feet vertical clearance above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. The draw opens on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. At all other times the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given, as required by 33 CFR 117.199. Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational.

Either leaf of the double bascule drawspan may be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. September 6, 2011 to 6 p.m. November 22, 2011, to allow Caltrans to conduct painting and maintenance on the bridge. The opposite leaf will continue to operate normally, providing unlimited vertical clearance and 92 feet horizontal clearance between leafs. A work platform will be installed below the secured leaf, reducing vertical clearance by 6 feet. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.