[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 143 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34854-34855]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15795]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0700]


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

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Montlake Bridge across the Lake 
Washington Ship Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. The deviation is 
necessary to allow work crews to replace bridge decking. This deviation 
allows a single leaf opening with a one hour advance notice during the 
day, and remains in the closed-to-navigation position during evening 
hours.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. on August 11, 2017 to 5 
a.m. on August 21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0700] 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.

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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Washington Department of Transportation 
(WSDOT), bridge owner, has requested a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule for the Montlake Bridge across the Lake Washington 
Ship Canal, at mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. The deviation is necessary to 
accommodate work crews to conduct timely bridge deck repairs. The 
Montlake Bridge in the closed-to-navigation 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. When half the span is open, single leaf, 46 feet of 
vertical clearance will be reduced throughout the center 30 feet of the 
bridge. To facilitate this construction event, single leaf operation 
will provide 75 feet of horizontal clearance.
    The normal operating schedule for the Montlake Bridge operates in 
accordance with 33 CFR 117.1051(e). The deviation period and span 
operation is described in the table below:

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         Time/date start               Time/date end                              Action
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10 p.m. Aug 11, 2017.............  5 a.m. Aug 12, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
5 a.m. Aug 12, 2017..............  6 p.m. Aug 12, 2017.  single leaf opening w/one hour notice.
6 p.m. Aug 12, 2017..............  5 a.m. Aug 13, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
5 a.m. Aug 13, 2017..............  6 p.m. Aug 13, 2017.  single leaf opening w/one hour notice.
6 p.m. Aug 13, 2017..............  5 a.m. Aug 14, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
10 p.m. Aug 18, 2017.............  5 a.m. Aug 19, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
5 a.m. Aug 2017..................  6 p.m. Aug 19, 2017.  single leaf opening w/one hour notice.
6 p.m. Aug 19, 2017..............  5 a.m. Aug 20, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
5 a.m. Aug 20, 2017..............  6 p.m. Aug 20, 2017.  single leaf opening w/one hour notice.
6 p.m. Aug 20, 2017..............  5 a.m. Aug 21, 2017.  span in the closed-to-navigation position.
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    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-to-navigation position may do so at 
anytime. The bridge will be able to open for emergency vessels in route 
to a call when an hour notice is given to the bridge operator, and a 
single leaf opening will be provided. The Lake Washington Ship Canal 
has no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. The Coast Guard 
will also inform the users of the waterways through our

[[Page 34855]]

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: July 20, 2017.
Steven Michael Fischer,
Bridge Administrator, Thirteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-15795 Filed 7-26-17; 8:45 am]
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