Fort Lauderdale Bridge Limits Openings During Weekday Rush Hours
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 19, 2026, the SE 17th Street Bridge in Fort Lauderdale will open less often during weekday rush hours to help ease car traffic jams. Boat captains and drivers who use this bridge will notice the new schedule, which balances smooth sailing with smoother driving. No extra costs are involved—just smarter timing to keep everyone moving.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fewer Bridge Openings Help Drivers
If you drive in Fort Lauderdale, the SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge will open less often during weekday rush hours starting February 19, 2026. From 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), the bridge will open only at the top of the hour instead of at the top and bottom of the hour.
Reduced Openings May Delay Boaters
If you operate a vessel that requires the SE 17th Street bridge to open in Fort Lauderdale, expect fewer openings during weekday rush hours beginning February 19, 2026. From 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), the bridge will open only once an hour at the top of the hour instead of twice an hour.
Rule Certified Not to Hurt Small Entities
The Coast Guard certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency based this on the ability of vessels to transit during scheduled times and that vessels able to pass without an opening may do so at any time.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-18558, Special Local Regulation; Southern California Annual Marine Events for the San Diego Captain of the Port Zone, San Diego Bayfair
The Coast Guard will enforce the San Diego Bayfair special local regulation on the waters of Mission Bay, California from September 18, 2026, through September 20, 2026. This special local regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, sponsor vessels, and general users of the waterway. During the enforcement period, persons and vessels are prohibited from anchoring, blocking, loitering, or impeding within this regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.
2026-18670, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, Portland, OR
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations at one location in the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone in Portland, OR from September 12, 2026, to September 13, 2026. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life and property on these navigable waters during marine events. During the enforcement periods, the operator of any vessel in the regulated area must comply with the directions from the Patrol Commander or any official patrol vessel.
2026-18557, Safety Zone; York River, Yorktown, VA
On October 16, 2026, from 9 to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone on the York River in Yorktown, VA, to keep people and boats safe during a cool drone light show. No one can enter the zone without special permission, so boaters should plan ahead. This short rule helps prevent accidents and keeps the river safe without costing anyone money.
2026-18463, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Ocean City, NJ
On September 20, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules around Ocean City, NJ, during the Airshow to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter the zone with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This means some boaters might need to plan ahead and expect temporary waterway restrictions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00931, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Starting February 19, 2026, the Little River Bridge in North Myrtle Beach, SC, will open on a set schedule during weekday rush hours to help reduce car traffic jams. Boat traffic will need to plan around these scheduled openings, but this change keeps things moving smoothly for everyone. No extra costs are involved, just a smarter way to manage bridge openings!
Next: 2026-00945, Publication of Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations Web General License 13O
The U.S. Treasury just made it official: U.S. people and companies can keep paying certain taxes, fees, and get permits in Russia for their usual business until January 9, 2026. This update replaces an older license and helps folks avoid breaking sanctions while doing everyday stuff in Russia. But watch out—some financial moves with Russia’s big banks are still off-limits!