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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

CFR Citation: 33 CFR Part 117

Docket ID: [Docket No. USCG-2008-0450]

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Drawbridge Operation Regulations:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sacramento River, Sacramento, CA

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on June 2, 2008 through 8 p.m. on July 14, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Tower Drawbridge across the Sacramento River, mile 59.0, at Sacramento, California. The deviation is necessary to allow the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to conduct major roadwork on Interstate 5 through downtown Sacramento. This deviation allows the drawspan to remain in the
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closedtonavigation position during rush hour time periods.

SUMMARY: Sacramento River, Sacramento, CA,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Caltrans requested a temporary change to the operation of the Tower Drawbridge, mile 59.0, across the Sacramento River, at Sacramento, California. The Tower Drawbridge provides a vertical clearance of 30 feet above Mean High Water in the closedto navigation position. The drawspan 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. At all other times the drawspan shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given, as required by 33 CFR 117.189. Navigation on the waterway is commercial and recreational. The drawspan will be secured in the closedtonavigation position from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 2, 2008 through June 6, 2008; June 16, 2008 through June 20, 2008; June 27, 2008; June 30, 2008 through July 2, 2008; July 9, 2008 through July 11, 2008; and July 14, 2008. Special provisions have been made to accommodate commercial waterway traffic. The drawspan shall open for vessels at 6 p.m. on each Friday during the deviation period and at 6 p.m. on June 3, 2008 and June 5, 2008.

These closures will allow an unimpeded alternate route for rush hour commuter traffic, across the Tower Drawbridge, during major construction work on Interstate 5 through downtown Sacramento. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with waterway users. Adjustments to the schedule were made to minimize impacts to commercial waterway traffic. There is no anticipated levee maintenance during this deviation period. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

Vessels that can transit the drawspan, while in the closedto navigation position, may continue to do so at any time.

In the event of an emergency the drawspan can be opened once road traffic is cleared.

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.

Dated: May 29, 2008.
J.E. Long,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E812802 Filed 6508; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491015P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT David H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District, telephone (510) 4373516.