Moving Safety Zone Hits Chicago River for Bridge Repair Project
Published Date: 10/13/2026
Rule
Summary
On October 14, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a moving safety zone on the South Branch of the Chicago River for a big bridge repair project. Boats can’t enter or anchor in this zone from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. unless they get special permission. If the weather is bad, the same rules apply on October 15, 16, or 17, so boaters should plan ahead and stay safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary no‑entry safety zone on South Branch
If you operate a boat on the South Branch of the Chicago River between the Lake Street Bridge (Mile Marker 325.5) and South Damen Avenue (Mile Marker 321), you may not enter, transit, moor, lay-up, or anchor in the safety zone on October 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. unless the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or a designated on-scene representative gives permission. If weather is bad, the same prohibition may instead be enforced on October 15, 16, or 17, 2026 during the same hours.
500‑foot moving buffer around bridge leaf vessel
During the bridge leaf float-down, a moving safety zone will create a 500-foot buffer forward and aft of the vessel carrying the bridge leaf; you must stay outside that buffer unless authorized and must obey lawful orders from the Coast Guard, including instructions after being hailed. This buffer will be enforced during the same dates and times listed for the safety zone.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2026-20902, Safety Zone; Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Lake Michigan Including Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago River, and Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, Chicago, IL
On October 20, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off a part of the South Branch Chicago River to safely assemble the Lake Street Bridge. Boats can’t enter, park, or pass through this zone unless they get special permission. If the weather is bad, the work and restrictions might move to nearby days, so boaters should plan ahead and stay safe.
2026-20866, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0095
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for a 30-day public comment period to extend approval for collecting info on oil and hazardous material safety records—no changes planned. This affects businesses and individuals involved in pollution prevention, with comments due by November 12, 2026. The goal? To keep paperwork fair and manageable while protecting our waters.
2026-20632, Special Local Regulations; San Francisco Bay Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels Demonstration, San Francisco, CA
From October 8 to 11, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off parts of San Francisco Bay for the Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels air show to keep everyone safe. Boats and people who aren’t authorized won’t be allowed in certain areas during specific times. If you’re planning to be on the water, expect some changes and plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20900, Safety Zone; Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Lake Michigan Including Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago River, and Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, Chicago, IL
On October 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off a part of the South Branch Chicago River for the Lake Street Bridge demolition. Boaters can’t enter, park, or pass through this safety zone unless they get special permission. This keeps everyone safe while the Chicago Department of Transportation fixes the bridge.
Next: 2026-20902, Safety Zone; Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Lake Michigan Including Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago River, and Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, Chicago, IL
On October 20, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off a part of the South Branch Chicago River to safely assemble the Lake Street Bridge. Boats can’t enter, park, or pass through this zone unless they get special permission. If the weather is bad, the work and restrictions might move to nearby days, so boaters should plan ahead and stay safe.