Raritan River Traffic Jam: Bridge Build Forces Boat Slowdown
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 5, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules on the Raritan River near Perth Amboy because a new bridge is being built. Boats will need to slow down, avoid certain areas, and sometimes can’t enter the channel at all during tricky construction times. These rules keep everyone safe and will last until June 30, 2030, with no extra costs for boaters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Planned Full-Channel Closures on Specific Dates
Intermittent full enforcement periods (complete closures prohibiting all vessel entry) are anticipated between July 1, 2026 and September 30, 2029. Planned full closures include: two separate one-day closures in July–August 2026; one seven-day closure between July–December 2027 (Tower Erection); two separate seven-day closures between October 2027 and June 2028 (flanking span float-ins); one 30-day closure between January–September 2028 (Float in Lift Span); and one 14-day closure between July–September 2029 (swing span demolition). Dates are tentative and subject to change.
New Speed and Movement Rules for Boats
While in the RNA, all vessels must follow a "Slow-No Wake" rule and may not create a wake or exceed five (5) knots unless a higher speed is needed to maintain bare steerageway. Vessels also must make a direct passage (no stopping, fishing, mooring, anchoring, or loitering), may not overtake another vessel, and must comply with lawful directions from the Captain of the Port or the on-scene representative.
Bridge Channel Limits and 20-Foot Exclusion
No vessel may transit the south span navigational channel of the bridge at any time, and only one vessel may pass through the north span navigational channel at a time. Except when transiting the north span, no vessel may operate within 20 feet of the bridge(s). Vessels are forbidden from passing (overtaking) other vessels inside the RNA.
Temporary Regulated Navigation Area Established
The Coast Guard created a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) on the Raritan River at mile 0.5 in the Perth Amboy area. The RNA applies to all water from surface to bottom inside the described boundary and is enforced from 12:01 a.m. on April 15, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2030.
Authorization and Notices Required for Deviations
If you need to deviate from the RNA restrictions or enter during a full enforcement period, you must request authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's on-scene representative on VHF channel 16 or by phone at (718) 354-4353. The Coast Guard will publish full enforcement period notices via Local Notice to Mariners, the Coast Guard Navigation Center MSI page, and Broadcast Notice to Mariners on marine channel 16.
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