
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 22645]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09476]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0296]


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

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the University Bridge, mile 4.3, across 
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 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 17, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0296] 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. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Steven Fischer, Bridge 
Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District; telephone 206-220-7282, 
email d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Seattle Department of Transportation has 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the 
University Bridge, mile 4.3, across the Lake Washington Ship Canal at 
Seattle, WA, to facilitate safe passage of participants in the ``Beat 
the Bridge'' foot race. The University Bridge, mile 4.3, provides a 
vertical clearance of 30 feet in the closed position; clearances are 
referenced to the mean water elevation of Lake Washington. The current 
operating schedule for the bridge is set out in 33 CFR 117.1051. The 
normal operating schedule for the University Bridge states that the 
bridge need not open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays but Columbus Day for 
vessels less than 1000 tons. The normal operating schedule for the 
bridge also requires one hour advance notification for bridge openings 
between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. 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 14, 2015.
Steven M. Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-09476 Filed 4-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


