Niantic Bridge Wants to Ditch Its Winter Siesta
Published Date: 9/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Route 156 Bridge across Niantic River, mile 0.1, between Waterford and Niantic, CT. The bridge owner, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), submitted a request on July 10, 2026, to remove the opening restrictions currently in place for November 1 through April 30 and allow the bridge to provide consistent bridge operations throughout the year. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Year‑Round Openings for Commercial Vessels
The Route 156 drawbridge at Niantic, CT, will open on signal for commercial vessels year‑round. The rule keeps the weekday periods 7:00–8:00 a.m. and 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays) when the draw remains closed to recreational vessels, but commercial traffic will be served at all other times.
No More Six‑Hour Night Notice for Boaters
From November 1 through April 30 the prior six‑hour notice requirement will be removed so the Route 156 drawbridge at Niantic, CT, will open on signal for recreational vessels year‑round. Recreational vessels still cannot use the draw from 7:00–8:00 a.m. and 4:00–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Next: 2026-19059, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Connecticut River, East Haddam, CT
The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Route 82 Bridge across Connecticut River, mile 16.8, at East Haddam, CT. The bridge owner, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), submitted a request on July 10, 2026, to remove the opening restrictions currently in place for November 1 through April 30 and allow the bridge to provide consistent bridge operations throughout the year. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.