Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Old Brazos 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 Old Brazos River by letting it be controlled remotely from Freeport, Texas. This test runs from February 6 to April 7, 2026, and the public can share their thoughts before the trial ends. This change mainly affects boaters and train operators but won’t cost anyone extra during the test period.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary Remote Operation Test of Drawbridge
The Coast Guard is allowing the Union Pacific Railroad drawbridge at Old Brazos River mile 5.3 to be operated remotely from Freeport, Texas for a test from February 6, 2026 through April 7, 2026. The bridge (10 ft closed clearance, 71 ft open clearance, 228 ft horizontal) normally lowers about 12 times per day for trains; during the test boats must contact the remote operator on VHF-FM channel 9 or the phone number posted on the bridge. The Coast Guard will notify waterway users by Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners and the bridge must return to its regular schedule after April 7, 2026; the Coast Guard states the test will not cost anyone extra during the test period.
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Key Dates
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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.
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