New York's Macombs Dam Bridge May Shut for Ten Months
Published Date: 11/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard plans to let the Macombs Dam Bridge between Manhattan and the Bronx stay closed from February 1 to November 30, 2027, so it can get fixed up. This means boats that usually pass under the bridge will need to find other routes during that time. If you have thoughts, you can share them by December 7, 2026, but no extra costs are expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Macombs Dam Bridge stays closed Feb–Nov 2027
The Coast Guard proposes that the Macombs Dam Bridge need not open for vessel passage from 12:01 a.m. on February 1, 2027, through 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2027. The public comment deadline is December 7, 2026.
Work platform reduces closed clearance to 24.5 ft
While the work platform is in place, the bridge's closed vertical clearance will be reduced from 28.2 feet above mean high water to no less than 24.5 feet above mean high water. Vessels needing greater vertical clearance must access the Harlem River via the East River to the east or the Hudson River to the west.
Coast Guard certifies minimal impact on small entities
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, because commercial and recreational vessels can still transit under the bridge in the closed position and higher-clearance vessels have alternate routes.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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