Document ID: USCG-2017-0364-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Washington Ship Canal, Seattle, WA
Posted Date: 2017-05-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 97 (Monday, May 22, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23143-23144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10335]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0364]

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Washington Ship Canal, 
Seattle, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the University Bridge, mile 4.3, and 
the Montlake Bridge, mile 5.2, both crossing Lake Washington Ship Canal 
at Seattle, WA. The deviation is necessary to accommodate the ``Beat 
the Bridge'' foot race event. This deviation allows the bridges to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position to allow for the safe 
movement of event participants.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 
21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0364] 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 Mr. Steven Fischer, Bridge 
Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-220-7282, 
email d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Washington State Department of 
Transportation (bridge owner) and Seattle Department of Transportation 
(bridge owner) requested a temporary deviation from the operating 
schedule

[[Page 23144]]

for the University Bridge, mile 4.3, and the Montlake Bridge, mile 5.2, 
both crossing Lake Washington Ship Canal at Seattle, WA, to facilitate 
safe passage of participants in the ``Beat the Bridge'' foot race. The 
University Bridge, bascule, provides a vertical clearance of 30 feet in 
the closed-to-navigation position. The Montlake Bridge, bascule, 
provides 30 feet of vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation 
position throughout the navigation channel, and 46 feet of vertical 
clearance in the closed-to-navigation position throughout the center 60 
feet of the bridge. Vertical clearances are referenced to the Mean 
Water Level of Lake Washington. The normal operating schedule for both 
the University Bridge and Montlake Bridge is in 33 CFR 117.1051. During 
this deviation period, the University Bridge need not open to marine 
vessels from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 21, 2017; the Montlake 
Bridge need not open to marine vessels from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on 
May 21, 2017. Waterway usage on Lake Washington Ship Canal ranges from 
commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridges in the closed-to-
navigation position may do so at anytime. Both bridges will be able to 
open for emergencies, and there is no immediate alternate route for 
vessels to pass. 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 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 2, 2017.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-10335 Filed 5-19-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P