Ventnor NJ Drawbridge Limits Night Openings to Advance Notice
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 25, 2026, the Dorset Avenue drawbridge in Ventnor City, NJ, will only open between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and only if you give at least four hours' notice. This change mainly affects boaters who need the bridge to open at night. No fees or costs are involved, but plan ahead to keep your trip smooth and on time!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Nighttime openings need 4-hour notice
Starting February 25, 2026, the Dorset Avenue drawbridge in Ventnor City, NJ, will only open between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if you give at least four hours' advance notice. If you need the bridge opened at night, you must plan and call ahead because unscheduled night openings will not be available during those hours.
Boats that clear bridge may pass freely
Vessels that can pass under the bridge's closed vertical clearance (9 feet at mean high water) may transit the Dorset Avenue Bridge without requesting an opening. Those boats do not need to provide the four-hour notice and can continue to pass when clearance allows.
Summer daytime opening schedule unchanged
The existing schedule from June 1 through September 30 remains: from 9:15 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. the draw need only open on the 15 and 45 minutes after the hour. Daytime summer openings are therefore unchanged by this rule.
No significant cost to small businesses
The Coast Guard certified under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The rule creates no new fees or paperwork, and small entities can still request openings with four-hour notice.
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Key Dates
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