2015-06289. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Washington Ship Canal, 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 Washington State Department of Transportation Montlake Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to accommodate the safe movement of “Beat the Bridge Run” event participants.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. on May 17, 2015 to 9 a.m. on May 17, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0170] 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 [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Washington State Department of Transportation requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule, 33 CFR 117.1051, for the Montlake Bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. The requested deviation is necessary to accommodate safe movement of “Beat the Bridge Run” event participants. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position. This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. on May 17, 2015 to 9 a.m. on May 17, 2015.

The Montlake Bridge crosses 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 referenced to the Mean Water Level of Lake Washington. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at anytime. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. Waterway users on the Lake Washington Ship Canal range from commercial tug and barge to small pleasure craft. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notice 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: March 11, 2015.

Steven M. Fischer,

Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.