[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51302-51303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25288]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD13-01-022]


Drawbridge Operations Regulations; Lake Washington, WA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Evergreen Point Floating Drawbridge on State Route 520 across Lake 
Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. This deviation 
allows the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to close the 
floating retractable span from 12:01 a.m. on August 13 to 12:01 a.m. on 
October 8, 2001. Normally, the draw does not open between the hours of 
5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. This 
deviation allows the bridge owner to bolt the floating span closed to 
immobilize it for center-lock replacement and other refurbishment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on August 
13 to 12:01 a.m. on October 8, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise noted, documents referred to in this notice 
are available for inspection and copying at Commander (oan), Thirteenth 
Coast Guard District, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174-
1067, room 3510 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except federal holidays. The Bridge Section of the Aids to Navigation 
and Waterways Management Branch maintain the docket for this temporary 
deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Austin Pratt, Chief, Bridge Section, 
Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch, Telephone (206) 
220-7282.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Evergreen Point Floating
    Bridge across Lake Washington at Seattle, Washington, provides no 
vertical clearance at the draw span when it is closed. Fixed transition 
spans from the floating portion of the bridge provide navigational 
openings. The West Fixed Span provides 45 feet of vertical clearance at 
all lake levels. The East Fixed Span has a gradient so that on the low 
(west margin) 57 feet is provided up to 64 feet on the side opposite 
(east margin). Most of the

[[Page 51303]]

vessels that ply Lake Washington can pass safely under the fixed 
transition spans. The number of draw openings have decreased so that 
the span has opened as little as 10 times annually in recent years. 
Most of these openings have been for construction equipment serving 
other WSDOT projects. State Route 520 is a major commuter route with a 
high daily traffic count. This deviation allows WSDOT to refurbish the 
bridge as quickly as possible without disrupting roadway traffic. 
Furthermore, this drawbridge is vulnerable to water and wind pressure 
because of its floating nature. This closure also facilitates 
completion of work at a time of year when these weather factors are 
minimal.
    This temporary deviation, authorized under 33 CFR 117.35, allows 
the floating drawspan to remain closed from 12:01 a.m. on August 13 to 
12:01 a.m. on October 8, 2001.

    Dated: September 25, 2001.
Erroll Brown,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 01-25288 Filed 10-5-01; 8:45 am]
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