Rules and Regulations. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation
Citation: FR Doc. 2015-09643 · Docket No. USCG-2015-0249 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Washington State Department of Transportation Montlake Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the safe and rapid movement of University of Washington Husky football game spectators. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25, 2015.

Supplementary Information

The Washington State Department of Transportation has requested that the Montlake Bridge remain in the closed-to-navigation position to accommodate the rapid movement of highway traffic associated with the University of Washington Football game on April 25, 2015. The Montlake Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal at mile 5.2 and while in the closed position provides 30 feet of vertical clearance throughout the navigation channel and 46 feet of vertical clearance throughout the center 60-feet of the bridge; vertical clearance references to the Mean Water Level of Lake Washington. Under normal conditions this bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.1051(e) which requires the bridge to open on signal, except that the bridge need not open for vessels less than 1,000 gross tons between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This deviation period is from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. April 25, 2015. The deviation allows the bascule span of the Montlake Bridge to remain in the closed to navigation position from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25, 2015. Waterway usage on the Lake Washington Ship Canal ranges from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed positions may do so at any time. The bridge 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 vessels 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 designated time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: April 20, 2015. Steve Fischer, Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2015-09643 Filed 4-24-15; 8:45 am]