Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2012-10411 · Docket No. USCG-2012-0362 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs University Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal, mile 4.3, at Seattle, WA. This deviation is necessary to accommodate the Beat the Bridge charity foot race scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to allow safe movement of event participants.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on May 20, 2012 through 9:30 a.m. May 20, 2012.

Supplementary Information

The Washington State Department of Transportation has requested that University Bridge remain closed to vessel traffic to facilitate safe passage of participants of the Beat the Bridge charity event. Beat the Bridge is an annual foot race held in Seattle, WA to benefit diabetes research. The race course passes over University Bridge. University Bridge crosses the Lake Washington Ship Canal at mile 4.3 and while in the closed position provides 30 feet of vertical clearance throughout the navigation channel and 45 feet of vertical clearance through the center of the bridge; vertical clearance referenced to the Mean Water Level of Lake Washington. Vessels which do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridge during this closure period. Under normal conditions this bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.1051(d) which requires the bridge to open on signal, except that the bridge need not open for vessels less than 1,000 gross tons from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This deviation period is from 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2012 through 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The deviation allows the bascule span of the University Bridge to remain in the closed position and need not open for maritime traffic from 8 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. on May 20, 2012. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR 117.1051(d) at all other times. Waterway usage on the Lake Washington Ship Canal ranges from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. Mariners will be notified and kept informed of the bridge's operational status via the Coast Guard Notice to Mariners publication and Broadcast Notice to Mariners as appropriate. The draw span will be required to open, if needed, for vessels engaged in emergency response operations during this closure period. 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: April 19, 2012. Randall D. Overton, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012-10411 Filed 4-30-12; 8:45 am]