Remote Control for Drawbridges? Coast Guard's Train Wizardry Plan
Published Date: 10/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to let CSX run five drawbridges in Mississippi and Alabama remotely from a single location in Mobile, AL. This change affects boaters and train operators by updating how and where the bridges are controlled, aiming for smoother and safer operations. Comments on this plan are open until November 6, 2026, with no extra costs expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Automatic Open-to-Boat Fail-Safe Requirement
Under the proposed rule, CSX must immediately place and leave the drawbridge in the open-to-boat position if certain failures occur, including camera/thermal/microwave sensor failures that prevent seeing upriver/downriver/beneath the bridge, communications failures with boats, weather preventing visual identification of vessels, failure to meet government safety or cybersecurity requirements, failure of railroad safety/security procedures or equipment to open/close the bridge, or if the CSX bridge tender is evacuated or cannot perform duties.
Five CSX Drawbridges Remotely Operated
The Coast Guard proposes to allow CSX to operate five drawbridges from the CSX Seibert train yard in Mobile, AL. The bridges will continue to "open on signal" and vessels may contact the remote bridge tender on VHF-FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on each bridge. The five bridges are: Bay St. Louis (mile 0.5, 13' closed clearance, opens about 6 times/day), Back Bay of Biloxi (mile 0.4, 14' closed clearance, opens about 4 times/day), Pascagoula River (mile 1.5, 8' closed clearance, opens about 17 times/day), Three Mile Creek (mile 0.0, 3' closed clearance, opens about 8 times/day), and Chickasaw Creek (mile 0.0, 7' closed clearance, opens about 8 times/day). Comments on the proposed rule are due by November 6, 2026.
Coast Guard Notification and Approval Controls
If any of the listed failures occur, CSX must immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile Command Center that the draw has been placed and kept open-to-boat. The draw may only resume onsite operation when an onsite operator arrives and the Coast Guard approves, and it may only resume remote operation after the failure is corrected and the Coast Guard approves. The District Commander may direct CSX to use an onsite bridge operator at any time.
Equipment, Cybersecurity, and Manual-Operation Obligations
CSX has installed infrared cameras, closed circuit cameras/TVs, communication systems and IT systems for remote monitoring and control and provided documentation that it meets government cybersecurity requirements. The proposed rule also requires CSX to maintain the bridge machinery in good working condition so the bridge can be manually operated onsite.
No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities
The Coast Guard certified under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting vessels can still transit the bridges after signaling or whenever they can pass under the closed drawbridge.
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Key Dates
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