NJ Bridge Goes Remote: No More 4-Hour Boat Waits from Afar
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 13, 2026, the Point No Point Railroad Bridge between Newark and Kearny, NJ, will be operated remotely from Mount Laurel, NJ. This means the bridge will open whenever a boat signals, no more waiting four hours in advance! Boat operators and train companies will enjoy smoother, faster bridge openings without extra delays or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Bridge Opens On Signal — No 4‑Hour Notice
If you operate a vessel on the Passaic River at the Point No Point Railroad Bridge (between Newark and Kearny, NJ), beginning March 13, 2026 the bridge will be operated remotely and will open on signal instead of requiring a four-hour advance notice. After you signal for an opening, the bridge opening may be delayed no more than ten minutes.
How You Request A Bridge Opening
To get the remotely operated bridge to open, vessels will use VHF-FM Channel 13/16 communications: push the push-to-talk (PTT) button five times on Channel 13 and the remotely located bridge tender will receive and respond. The rule also requires closed-circuit television at the bridge, directional microphones and horns, and a posted telephone number so mariners can contact the remotely located bridge tender.
If Remote System Fails — Local Control Within 60 Minutes
If the remote-control system is partially disabled or fails, the bridge must be physically tended and operated by local control as soon as possible but no more than 60 minutes after the malfunction. Mechanical bypass and override capability of the remote system must be provided and maintained.
Coast Guard Finds No Significant Small‑Business Impact
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 agency noted that vessels can now obtain openings on signal (rather than four hours notice), the remote system provides equal or greater capabilities than an on-site tender, and the bridge owner can restore local operation within 60 minutes if needed.
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