SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Coast Guard will enforce a portion of the safety zone regulations in 33 CFR 165.930(a)(2) and (3) on the South Branch of the Chicago River between South Damen Avenue (Mile Marker 321) and the Lake Street Bridge (Mile Marker 325.5) for the floating up of the CDOT bridge leaf from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on September 26th, 2026. This will be a moving safety zone creating a 500-foot buffer forward and aft of the vessel carrying the bridge leaf. This action is being taken to provide for the safety of life on the navigable waterway during the bridge leaf float up. Our regulation for marine events within the Great Lakes Coast Guard District, 33 CFR 165.930(c)(1), specifies that the Captain of the Port (COTP) may enforce this safety zone in whole, in segments, or by any combination of segments. The COTP Lake Michigan may suspend the enforcement of any segment of this safety zone for which notice of enforcement has been given. Pursuant to 33 CFR 165.930, during the enforcement period, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Lake Michigan or a designated on-scene representative. Vessels and persons granted permission to enter the safety zone must obey all lawful orders or directions of the COTP Lake Michigan designated representative. Upon being hailed by the Coast Guard by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel must proceed as directed.

In addition to this notification of enforcement in the Federal Register , the Coast Guard will provide the maritime community with notification of this enforcement period via Broadcast Notice to Mariners. The COTP Lake Michigan may be reached by contacting the Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Command Center at (833) 900-2247. An on-scene designated representative may be reached via VHF-FM Channel 16.

91 FR 60306