Coast Guard speeds up Ohio drawbridge for 12,000 impatient boaters
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting April 23, 2025, the Coast Guard is updating how the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge in Sandusky Bay operates to make sure drawtenders respond faster to boaters. This change helps over 12,000 recreational boaters and emergency teams get through safely and on time. No extra costs for the public, just smoother and smarter bridge openings!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Bridge must answer phone and open on signal
You can call or radio the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge (mile 3.5) to request an opening because the drawbridge is required to operate a radiotelephone and a telephone and "shall open on signal" starting April 23, 2025. The rule applies year-round except for the seasonal exception described separately.
Winter advance-notice requirement
From October 31 through March 31, the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge will open on signal only if provided a 12-hours advance notice of arrival. This seasonal rule applies each year and begins April 23, 2025.
Permanent wind-blocker permission rescinded
The Coast Guard rescinded the permanent deviation that allowed Norfolk Southern to use a parked "wind blocker" (rail cars on the bridge). Norfolk Southern must now request any temporary deviation in writing under 33 CFR 117.35, and requests should be made with at least seventy-hours advance notice to the Ninth District Bridge Manager (emails provided in the rule).
Signage and phone info for boaters
The rule requires new signage at the bridge to state the bridge's name and makes the remote drawtender's telephone number available to Sandusky Bay boaters, improving boaters' ability to identify the bridge and request openings; Sandusky Bay hosts over 12,000 registered recreational vessels a year.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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