SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard signed a final rule for the Hood Canal floating drawbridge.

The rule modifies the drawbridge operating regulation for the Hood Canal floating drawbridge near Port Gamble. The new rule allows the draw of the bridge to not open for maritime traffic from 3-6:15 p.m. every day during the summer months; from May 22 until September 30, every year. Vessels which do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the fixed sections of the bridge during this closure period.

“This modification would relieve heavy afternoon rush hour road traffic on State Routes 3 and 104,” said Cmdr. Daryl Peloquin, 13th Coast Guard District Waterways Manager. “The rule allows the draws of the bridge to not open for maritime traffic during afternoon rush hour in the summer months.”

Vessels of the U.S. Navy and vessels assisting with U.S. Naval operations, as well as commercial tug and tow vessels, are exempt from this regulation.This information is published in the 13th Coast Guard District’s Local Notice to Mariners. The rule is not yet published in the Federal Register.

For more information, contact U.S. Coast Guard, 13th District Public Affairs Officer at (206) 220-7237.