Rule2026-00932
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 20, 2026
Effective
February 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule that governs the SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge, across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), mile 1065.9, at Fort Lauderdale, FL. This action will assist with vehicle congestion during weekday rush hour periods by limiting drawbridge openings.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2303-2306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00932]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. [USCG-2025-0464]
RIN 1625-AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway,
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 2304]]
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule that
governs the SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge, across the
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), mile 1065.9, at Fort Lauderdale,
FL. This action will assist with vehicle congestion during weekday rush
hour periods by limiting drawbridge openings.
DATES: This rule is effective February 19, 2026.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Type the
docket number (USCG-2025-0464) in the ``SEARCH'' box and click
``SEARCH''. In the Document Type column, select ``Supporting & Related
Material.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email Ms. Jennifer Zercher, Bridge Management Specialist,
Southeast Coast Guard District; telephone 571-607-5951, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88c2ede6e6e1eeedfaa6c6a6d2edfaebe0edfac8fdfbebefa6e5e1e4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8cc6e9e2e2e5eae9fea2c2a2d6e9feefe4e9feccf9ffefeba2e1e5e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
OMB Office of Management and Budget
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
FL Florida
TD Temporary Deviation
AICW Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
On June 16, 2025, the Coast Guard published a Notice of temporary
deviation from regulations; with a request for comments, entitled
``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort
Lauderdale, FL'' in the Federal Register (90 FR 25148), to test this
operating schedule for the SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge.
During the comment period that ended July 31, 2025, we received 157
comments, and those comments are addressed in Section IV of this Final
Rule.
On July 24, 2025, the Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking entitled ``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic
Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL'' in the Federal Register
(90 FR 34778). There we stated why we issued the NPRM and invited
comments on our proposed regulatory action related to this regulatory
change. During the comment period that ended August 25, 2025, we
received four comments, and those comments are addressed in Section IV
of this Final Rule.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority 33 U.S.C. 499.
SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge across the AICW, mile 1065.9,
at Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a bascule bridge with a 55-foot vertical
clearance at mean high water in the closed position. The normal
operating schedule for the bridge is set forth in 33 CFR
117.261(bb)(8).
The City of Fort Lauderdale requested the Coast Guard consider
additional opening restrictions during weekday rush hour periods to
assist with vehicle congestion. The drawbridge currently opens twice an
hour for navigation. This change adds additional opening restrictions
during weekday rush hour periods.
IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes and the Final Rule
The Coast Guard provided a 45-day and 30-day comment period during
the temporary deviation and NPRM and received a total of 161 comments.
Most of the comments, 145, were in favor of the proposed change. The
majority of commentors in favor of the proposed changes, feel over
development and the proximity of the convention center are major
aggravating factors in vehicle congestion as little to no improvements
to roadway infrastructure are occurring. They state when the drawbridge
opens during rush hour, it exacerbates vehicle congestion. Additional
concern was raised for seasonal traffic and drawbridge operations.
South Florida has a temporary increase in population from September
through May. The proposed changes will assist with vehicle congestion
during rush hour, however, improvements to roadway infrastructure
should be considered by state and local agencies.
There were four duplicate comments and two comments that were
outside the scope of the proposed rule. Two comments were against the
proposed rule stating they feel the drawbridge should remain on its
current opening schedule and that due to other factors surrounding the
drawbridge further restrictions should not be imposed. This will be
addressed in the following paragraph.
Alternate operating schedules were suggested by eight commentors.
The alternate schedules included having the drawbridge open only once
an hour, daily, allowing the drawbridge to remain in the down/closed
position during the designated rush hour times and extend designated
rush hour times. The AICW is a Federal Project Waterway that extends
over 1,500 miles from Boston to Florida Bay. It is the main waterway
artery for all commercial and recreational marine traffic that are
unable to safely transit offshore. While not always convenient, land
traffic has multiple alternate routes to cross the AICW. The Coast
Guard has established a fixed security zone within Port Everglades.
This restricts vessel movements within the vicinity of the drawbridge
and the ability to allow vessels to safely pass is necessary. This area
has strong currents which make it challenging for larger vessels to
maintain steerage while waiting for the drawbridge to open. The Coast
Guard is not currently imposing further restrictions beyond the
proposed rule for the reasons stated above.
The current operating schedule allows the SE 17th Street (Brooks
Memorial) Bridge to open at the top and bottom of each hour. Under this
rule, the bridge will continue to open at the top and bottom of each
hour, except that on weekdays, the bridge will open only at the top of
the hour from 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. At
all other times the bridge will open at the top and bottom of each
hour. Vessels that can pass beneath the bridge without an opening may
do so at any time. Vessels exempted from specific requirements can
still request an opening any time.
This rule changes the specific requirements for the SE 17th Street
(Brooks Memorial) Bridge at Fort Lauderdale, FL. Additionally, this
rule will republish Sec. 117.261 to reorganize the paragraph structure
to follow current regulatory drafting requirements.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive Orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses
based on a number of these statutes and Executive Orders.
A. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard received zero comments from the Small Business
Administration on this rule. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C.
605(b)
[[Page 2305]]
that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons. This
regulatory action determination is based on the ability that vessels
can still transit the bridge during the scheduled times and vessels
able to pass without an opening may do so at any time.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule will affect your small
business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or
action of the Coast Guard.
B. Collection of Information
This rule calls for no new collection of information under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Government
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Management Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing
instructions, and Environmental Planning Policy COMDTINST 5090.1
(series) which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f). The
Coast Guard has determined that this action is one of a category of
actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant
effect on the human environment. This rule promulgates the operating
regulations or procedures for drawbridges and is categorically excluded
from further review, under paragraph L49, of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS
Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1.
Neither a Record of Environmental Consideration nor a Memorandum
for the Record are required for this rule.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117
Bridges.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 117 as follows:
PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; and DHS Delegation No.
00170.1. Revision No. 01.4
0
2. Revise and republish Sec. 117.261 to read as follows:
Sec. 117.261 Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from St. Marys River to
Key Largo.
Public vessels of the United States and tugs with tows must be
passed through the drawspan of each drawbridge listed in this section
at any time.
(a) Bridge of Lions (SR A1A) Bridge, mile 777.9 at St. Augustine.
The draw shall open on signal; except that, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the
draw need open only on the hour and half-hour; however, the draw need
not open at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except
Federal holidays. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and
Federal holidays the draw need only open on the hour and half-hour.
(b) George Musson (SR 44) Bridge, mile 845, at New Smyrna Beach.
The draw shall open on signal, except that from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the
draw shall open on the hour and half-hour, seven days a week.
(c) NASA Railroad Bridge, mile 876.6 at Titusville.
(1) The draw is not constantly tended.
(2) The draw is normally in the fully open position displaying
flashing green lights to indicate that vessels may pass.
(3) When a train approaches the bridge, it stops and the operator
initiates a command to lower the bridge. The lights go to flashing red
and the draw lowers and locks, providing scanning equipment reveals
nothing under the draw. The draw remains down until a manual raise
command is initiated or will raise automatically 5 minutes after the
intermediate track circuit is no longer occupied by a rail car.
(4) After the train has cleared, the draw opens and the lights
return to flashing green.
(d) A1A North Causeway Bridge, mile 964.8 at Fort Pierce. The draw
shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(e) Indiantown Road Bridge, mile 1006.2, at Jupiter. The draw shall
open on the hour and half hour.
(f) Donald Ross Bridge, mile 1009.3, at North Palm Beach. The draw
shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(g) PGA Boulevard Bridge, mile 1012.6, at North Palm Beach. The
draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(h) Parker (US 1) Bridge, mile 1013.7, at Riviera Beach. The draw
shall open on the quarter and three-quarter hour.
(i) Flagler Memorial (SR A1A) Bridge, mile 1021.8, at West Palm
Beach.(1) The draw will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour,
except Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m.
to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need only open on the
quarter hour.
(2) When the Presidential Security Zone is enforced, the draw will
open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, except Monday through
Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2:15
p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need only open on the quarter hour.
[[Page 2306]]
(j) Royal Park (SR 704) Bridge, mile 1022.6, at West Palm Beach.
(1) The draw will open on the hour and half hour, except Monday through
Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4
p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need only open on the half hour.
(2) When the Presidential Security Zone is enforced, the draw will
open on the hour and half hour, except Monday through Friday (except
Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2:15 p.m. to 6
p.m., the draw need only open on the half hour.
(k) Southern Boulevard (SR 80) Bridge, mile 1024.7, at West Palm
Beach. (1) The draw will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour,
except Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m.
to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need only open on the
quarter hour.
(2) When the Presidential Security Zone is enforced, the draw may
be closed without advance notice to permit uninterrupted transit of
dignitaries across the bridge. At all other times the bridge shall open
on the quarter and three-quarter hour, or as directed by the on-scene
designated representative.
(l) East Ocean Avenue Bridge, mile 1031.0, at Lantana. The draw
shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(m) Ocean Avenue Bridge, mile 1035.0, at Boynton Beach. The draw
shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(n) East Atlantic Avenue (SR 806) Bridge, mile 1039.6, at Delray
Beach. The draw shall open on the quarter and three-quarter-hour.
(o) Linton Boulevard Bridge, mile 1041.1, at Delray Beach. The draw
shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(p) Spanish River Boulevard Bridge, mile 1044.9, at Boca Raton. The
draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(q) East Palmetto Park Road Bridge, mile 1047.5, at Boca Raton. The
draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(r) East Camino Real Bridge, mile 1048.2, at Boca Raton. The draw
shall open on the hour, twenty minutes past the hour and forty minutes
past the hour.
(s) East Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge (SR 810), mile 1050.0 at
Deerfield Beach. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(t) Northeast 14th Street Bridge, mile 1055.0 at Pompano Beach. The
draw shall open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.
(u) East Atlantic Boulevard (SR 814) Bridge, mile 1056.0 at Pompano
Beach. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(v) East Commercial Boulevard (SR 870) Bridge, mile 1059.0, at
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(w) East Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge, mile 1060.5 at Fort
Lauderdale. The draw shall open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter
hour.
(x) East Sunrise Boulevard (SR 838) Bridge, mile 1062.6, at Fort
Lauderdale. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour. On the first
weekend in May, the draw need not open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on
Saturday and Sunday, and, on the first Saturday in May, the draw need
not open from 9:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
(y) East Las Olas Bridge, mile 1064 at Fort Lauderdale. The draw
shall open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour. On the first
weekend in May, the draw need not open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on
Saturday and Sunday, and, on the first Saturday in May, the draw need
not open from 9:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
(z) Southeast 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge, mile 1065.9 at
Fort Lauderdale. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour; except
that from 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the drawbridge shall
open once an hour at the top of the hour.
(aa) Dania Beach Boulevard Bridge, mile 1069.4 at Hollywood. The
draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(bb) Sheridan Street Bridge, mile 1070.5, at Hollywood. The draw
shall open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.
(cc) Hollywood Beach Boulevard (SR 820) Bridge, mile 1072.2 at
Hollywood. The draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
(dd) Hallandale Beach Boulevard (SR 824) Bridge, mile 1074.0 at
Hallandale Beach. The draw shall open on the quarter-hour and three-
quarter hour.
(ee) N.E. 163rd Street (SR 826) Bridge, mile 1078.0 at Sunny Isles
Beach. The draw shall open on signal; except that, from 7 a.m. to 6
p.m. on Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, and from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays, the draw need
open only on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.
(ff) Broad Causeway Bridge, mile 1081.4 at Bay Harbor Islands. The
draw shall open on signal; except that, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the draw
need open only on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.
(gg) West 79th Street Bridge, mile 1084.6, at Miami. The draw shall
operate as follows:
(1) Monday through Friday (except on Federal holidays):
(i) 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. the draw need only open on the hour.
(ii) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the draw need only open on the hour and half
hour.
(iii) 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the draw need only open on the hour.
(iv) 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the draw shall open on signal.
(2) Saturday, Sunday, and Federal holidays the draw shall open on
signal.
(hh) West Venetian Causeway Bridge, mile 1088.6, at Miami. The draw
shall open on signal, except that from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily,
including Federal holidays, the draw need only open on the hour and
half hour.
Dated: January 14, 2026.
Adam A. Chamie,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Coast Guard Southeast
District.
[FR Doc. 2026-00932 Filed 1-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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