2026-22478·DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL

Final RuleEffective

Published: Nov 4, 2026
Effective: Nov 6, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 69503
Docket: Docket Number USCG-2026-1344
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Coast Guard

Temporary final rule.

Summary

The U.S. Coast Guard is creating a short‑term safety zone on a portion of Lake Michigan near Chicago. The zone will keep boats and people out of the area while a fiber‑optic cable is being installed, protecting workers, vessels and the lake’s environment from the hazards that can arise during such construction. Only vessels or individuals who receive explicit permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan (or an authorized representative) may enter the zone. This temporary rule was issued by the Department of Homeland Security’s Coast Guard. It applies to all recreational, commercial and other watercraft, as well as anyone on foot or in a water‑based vehicle, that might otherwise travel through the designated waters during the installation period. The rule was published in the Federal Register on November 4, 2026 (91 FR 69503) and took effect on November 6, 2026. Because it is a temporary final rule, the Coast Guard did not open a new public comment period; the regulation is now in force, and the Coast Guard will enforce the entry restrictions until the fiber‑optic conduit work is completed and the safety zone is formally lifted.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within an area of Lake Michigan in Chicago, IL. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a Fiber Optics Conduit installation. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan or their designated representative.