Drawbridge Operation Regulation; San Bernard River, Brazoria County, Texas
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is testing a new way to operate the Union Pacific Railroad drawbridge over the San Bernard River near Brazoria, TX, by controlling it remotely from a dispatch center. This test runs from February 6 to April 7, 2026, and the public can share their thoughts before the test ends. This change mainly affects boaters and train operators but won’t cost anyone extra or cause big delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remote drawbridge test Feb 6–Apr 7, 2026
From February 6, 2026 through April 7, 2026, the Union Pacific Railroad drawbridge at mile 20.7 on the San Bernard River near Brazoria, TX will be tested for remote operation from UPRR’s Train Dispatch Center in Spring, TX. The Coast Guard says this change mainly affects boaters and train operators, will not cost anyone extra, and should not cause big delays.
How boaters will contact remote operator
During the test (February 6–April 7, 2026), the bridge will be operated from the UPRR Train Dispatch Center using 8 cameras (including thermal imaging) and two microwave vessel-detection sensors; a bridge tender will also be stationed at the site as backup. Boat operators must contact the remote bridge operator on VHF-FM channel 9 or by the phone number posted on the bridge.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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