Texas bridge goes remote from Spring dispatch center.
Published Date: 8/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to change how the Union Pacific Railroad drawbridge over the San Bernard River near Brazoria, TX, is operated. Instead of a person at the bridge, it will be controlled remotely 24/7 from a dispatch center in Spring, TX. This change has already been tested safely, and the Coast Guard is asking for public comments by September 8, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No 3‑Hour Notice During Specific Times
Under current rules the draw needed at least three hours notice between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.; the proposed rule changes the schedule so the draw will open on signal (no three-hour notice requirement). This directly changes when mariners can request openings during those time windows.
Bridge Controlled Remotely 24/7
The Union Pacific Railroad vertical lift drawbridge at San Bernard River mile 20.7 (near Brazoria, TX) will be operated remotely from the UPRR Train Dispatch Center in Spring, TX instead of having a bridge tender at the site. The Coast Guard proposes the bridge be remotely operated and to open on signal under the new rule.
How Boats Must Request Openings
Boats and vessels may contact the remote bridge tender by VHF-FM channel 9 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge to request an opening. The remote dispatch center will monitor cameras, microwave sensors, VHF radio, and telephone communications to process opening requests.
Automatic Open‑to‑Boat on Remote Failures
If camera, thermal imaging, microwave sensor, communications, weather visibility, safety, cybersecurity, procedural systems, or dispatcher availability fail, the draw will be immediately placed and kept in the open‑to‑boat position until UPRR provides an onsite bridge operator or the failure is corrected with Coast Guard approval. UPRR must notify Coast Guard Sector Houston‑Galveston when this happens.
Duty to Maintain Manual Operating Capability
UPRR must maintain the bridge machinery in good operating condition so the bridge can be manually operated onsite and must immediately operate the bridge onsite any time the District Commander directs. Remote operations may resume only after UPRR corrects failures and receives Coast Guard approval.
No Significant Small‑Entity Economic Impact
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency bases this determination on the ability of vessels to still transit the bridge given notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) drawbridge that crosses the Old Brazos River, mile 5.3, near Brazoria, TX. UPRR has proposed to remotely operate the drawbridge from their train yard located in Brazos, TX. The Coast Guard temporarily changed the regulation to test this system. During the test the drawbridge continued to operate safely and provided boats and mariners with a reasonable ability to use this waterway. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
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The Coast Guard wants to create a safety zone around the WHALE Floating Production System in the Gulf of America to keep boats away unless they get special permission. This will help prevent accidents, spills, and security problems, protecting people, property, and the environment. If you have thoughts, send them in by September 8, 2026!