NJ Railroad Bridge Ditches Four-Hour Wait, Opens on Demand for Boats
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update how the Point No Point Railroad Bridge between Newark and Kearny, NJ, operates. Instead of needing a four-hour heads-up, the bridge will open right away when a boat signals, thanks to remote control from Mount Laurel, NJ. This change helps boaters and trains move more smoothly without extra waiting, and folks can share their thoughts by December 31, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Bridge Opens On Signal — No 4‑Hour Notice
The Point No Point Railroad Bridge will be remotely operated from Mount Laurel, NJ and will open on signal instead of requiring a four-hour advance notice. This change applies to requests made by sound/visual signals, radio, or phone as described in the rule.
Opening Delay Limited to 10 Minutes
After a signal to open is given, the rule limits any delay to no more than ten minutes. That means once you request the bridge, an opening may be delayed by at most ten minutes.
Required Remote Surveillance & Radios
Remote operation must include eight camera views (four marine, four rail), marine radar, sonar, AIS sensors, integration software, a dedicated phone line, and VHF‑FM radiotelephone communications on channels 13 and 16. The system must provide equal or greater visibility and communications compared to an on‑site tender.
How You Request an Opening (PTT, Phone, Signals)
Vessels must request openings using the methods in 33 CFR 117.15(b)–(d), by telephone at (856) 231-2301, or by push‑to‑talk (PTT) on VHF‑FM channel 13. If using PTT on channel 13, vessels may push the PTT button five times and the remote dispatcher will receive and respond.
Remote System Failure — On‑Site Return Within 60 Minutes
If the remote operation system cannot safely operate the bridge, if visibility is degraded (all eight camera views required), or if communications become inoperative, qualified personnel will return and operate the bridge locally within 60 minutes.
Coast Guard: No Significant Small Entity Impact
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. They list reasons including immediate openings on signal, equal or greater remote capabilities, and the ability to restore on‑site operation within 60 minutes.
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Key Dates
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