# 2026-14598: Coast Guard Approves Remote Operation for New Jersey Drawbridge

2026-14598, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Newark Bay, Between the City of Newark and City of Bayonne, NJ, is a Federal Register rule from Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard published 2026-07-20, effective 2026-08-19; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-07-27).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14598
- As of: 2026-07-27
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-14598
- Title: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Newark Bay, Between the City of Newark and City of Bayonne, NJ
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Homeland Security Department; Coast Guard
- Citation: 91 FR 45201
- Published: 2026-07-20
- Effective: 2026-08-19
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 1625-AA09
- Last updated: 2026-07-27

## In one line

Coast Guard Approves Remote Operation for New Jersey Drawbridge

## Summary

The Coast Guard is updating the rules for the Lehigh Valley Drawbridge between Newark and Bayonne, NJ, so it can be operated remotely from Mount Laurel. This change won’t affect when the bridge opens but will help reduce wait times and make operations smoother. The new rule kicks in on August 19, 2026, and mainly impacts boaters and bridge operators with no extra costs involved.

## Abstract

The Coast Guard is modifying the operating regulation that governs the Lehigh Valley Drawbridge across Newark Bay, mile 4.6, between the City of Newark and City of Bayonne, NJ. This change in the regulation will not alter the operating schedule of the bridge but will allow the bridge to be remotely operated from the Conrail North Jersey Dispatch Center in Mount Laurel, NJ. This change to allow for remote bridge operations is necessary to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of bridge openings.

## Effects PRIA read

- Bridge Can Be Operated Remotely: benefit, low. The Lehigh Valley Drawbridge (mile 4.6) may be operated remotely from the Conrail North Jersey Dispatch Center in Mount Laurel, NJ. The change does not alter the bridge's operating schedule and is intended to reduce delays and improve efficiency starting August 19, 2026.
- New Communication and Equipment Rules: benefit, low. The bridge must operate closed-circuit television cameras at the site, maintain VHF-FM Radiotelephone Channel 13/16 with a push-to-talk button (vessels may push PTT five times on channel 13 to request an opening), have directional microphones and horns, post a phone number for mariners, and keep tw…
- 60-Minute Restoration Requirement: benefit, medium. If the remote-control system is partially disabled or fails, the bridge must be physically tended and operated locally as soon as possible and no more than 60 minutes after the malfunction; mechanical bypass and override capability must be provided and maintained.
- Operating Schedule Remains Unchanged: benefit, low. The rule explicitly does not change the Lehigh Valley Drawbridge operating schedule published in 33 CFR 117.735; the bridge has a vertical clearance of 35 feet closed and 135 feet open, with about 28 daily train transits and an average of four daily openings for vessels.
- No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities: benefit, low. 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, noting that the operating schedule will not change and remote operation was tested as providing equal or greater capabilities.

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## Sources
- [2026-14598 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14598/drawbridge-operation-regulation-newark-bay-between-the-city-of-newark-and-city-of-bayonne-nj)
- [2026-14598 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-20/pdf/2026-14598.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14598 (as of 2026-07-27).