Coast Guard Ditches Rules for Drawbridge Gone Since 2016 Replacement
Published Date: 8/1/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is officially scrapping the old rules for the Dominion Boulevard drawbridge in Chesapeake, VA, because the drawbridge was replaced by a high fixed bridge back in 2016. This means boaters and drivers no longer need to worry about bridge openings or wait times. No new costs or delays—just smoother sailing and driving ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Boaters: No more bridge openings
The Coast Guard removed the drawbridge operation rule for the Dominion Boulevard (US17) Bridge at mile 8.8 on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, VA. The drawbridge was replaced by a high-level fixed bridge as of October 20, 2016, so boat operators no longer need to request openings or wait for the bridge to open.
Drivers: No drawbridge delays anymore
Because the Dominion Boulevard (US17) Drawbridge was replaced with a high fixed bridge as of October 20, 2016, drivers using that crossing on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, VA no longer face bridge opening delays. The Coast Guard removed the old operating regulation since it is no longer applicable.
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