Coast Guard Wants to Zoom-Control Newark Bay Drawbridge
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to let the Lehigh Valley Drawbridge between Newark and Bayonne, NJ, be operated remotely from Mount Laurel, NJ. This won’t change when or how often the bridge opens, but it will make managing it easier and more modern. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 16, 2026, to share them—no extra costs or schedule changes are planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lehigh Valley Bridge Remote Operation
The Coast Guard proposes that the Lehigh Valley Drawbridge (mile 4.6) between Newark and Bayonne, NJ, be operated remotely from the Conrail North Jersey Dispatch Center in Mount Laurel, NJ. The regulation says the bridge operating schedule published in 33 CFR 117.735 will not change and that remote operation will be used at all times except when tended locally.
Real-time Bridge Status via AIS
The remote system will include an AIS transmitter that sends the bridge status (LEHIGH VALLEY BRG-OPEN, -CLOSED, -INOP) every two minutes and whenever the status changes so mariners can see real-time bridge condition for voyage planning.
How to Request an Opening (Phone and VHF)
Vessels will continue to request bridge openings by sound/visual signals or VHF-FM voice per 33 CFR 117.15(b)-(d), by pushing the push-to-talk (PTT) on VHF-FM channel 13 up to five times, or by calling the posted telephone number (856) 231-2301. The remote tender will receive the PTT request and commence opening.
System Failure Response Time Requirement
If the remote operation system fails or is partially disabled, qualified personnel must return and physically tend and operate the Lehigh Valley, Arthur Kill, and Hack Freight bridges within 60 minutes of the malfunction. The remote system is considered failed if visibility is degraded (all eight camera views required), communications or AIS are inoperative, or it cannot safely operate the bridge.
Maximum Train-Related Opening Delay Limit
The rule requires that trains and locomotives be controlled so any delay in opening the draw span does not exceed five minutes. If a train has crossed the home signal before an opening request, it may continue across and must clear the interlocks before stopping.
Posted Vertical Clearance Gauges Requirement
Bridge owners must provide and maintain two board gauges painted white with black figures at least 12 inches high to show vertical clearance under the closed draw at all tide stages so operators of approaching vessels can see the clearance.
Arthur Kill and Hack Freight Remote Operation Not Changed
The proposed modification will also allow the Arthur Kill Railroad Bridge and Hack Freight Railroad Bridge to be remotely operated from Mount Laurel, NJ; both bridges are already authorized for remote operation and their operating schedules published in 33 CFR 117.702 and 33 CFR 117.723 will not change.
No Significant Economic Impact Finding for Small Entities
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency cites that bridge schedules will not change, the remote system is designed to provide equal or greater capabilities, and the owner can restore local operation within 60 minutes.
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Key Dates
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