Coast Guard Constrains Snake Hill Bridge Swings for Safety
Published Date: 3/26/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is changing how the Amtrak Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River opens to keep things safe while a new bridge is being built right next to it. This means the bridge won’t open as wide as before to avoid hitting the new construction. Boat operators and train riders near Little Snake Hill, NJ, should expect these changes during the building project, but no extra costs are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Bridge Opening Limited During Construction
The Coast Guard changed the operating schedule for the Amtrak Portal Bridge at mile 5.0 on the Hackensack River (Little Snake Hill, New Jersey) so the bridge’s horizontal opening is limited while Amtrak builds the new Portal Bridge North next to it. Boat operators in the area should expect these operating changes; the rule states no extra costs are involved.
Safety Measure for Nearby Train Riders
The rule limits the Amtrak Portal Bridge’s horizontal opening to prevent the swing span from striking the new Portal Bridge North during construction, a change made to keep operations safe while the replacement bridge is built at Little Snake Hill, New Jersey. Train riders and nearby travelers should expect this safety-focused operating change, and the Coast Guard indicates it will not add extra costs.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-14127 — Safety Zone; Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC
On July 15, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the SS WRIGHT as it’s towed through Charleston Harbor. This means boats and people can’t enter the area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe during the move. The rule only lasts from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and won’t cost anyone extra money.
2026-14113 — Safety Zone; Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA
On July 24, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This zone keeps boats and people safe during a fireworks show by keeping them out unless they get special permission. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid the area during those hours—no fees or long-term changes, just a quick safety move!
2026-14045 — Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Lavaca Bay, Point Comfort, TX
On July 11, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Lavaca Bay near Point Comfort, TX, to keep boats and people safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter this 700-foot radius zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps prevent accidents from falling fireworks debris without causing any fees or long-term changes.
2026-14072 — Safety Zone; Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago, IL
The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone on a 2-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal for electric fish barrier testing. From July 13-17 and July 27-31, 2026, boats can’t enter or anchor there during certain morning and afternoon hours without special permission. This keeps everyone safe while the testing happens, with no extra costs for boaters—just a heads-up to plan around the restricted times.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05041 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
The government is shifting some unused Pacific cod fishing quota from jig gear boats to smaller catcher vessels using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This change helps make sure the 2025 fishing season’s Pacific cod limits get fully used. Fishermen with boats under 60 feet will benefit from this reallocation starting in the 2025 A season.
Next: 2025-05095 — Special Local Regulations: Back River, Baltimore County, MD
The Coast Guard fixed a mistake and added the Tiki Lee's Shootout on the River High Speed Power Boat Event and Air Show to the special local rules for Baltimore’s Back River. Boaters and event fans should know these updated rules start July 9, 2024, keeping everyone safe and the fun flowing. No extra fees, just clear, updated event info!