Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, MS; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, MS; Pascagoula River, Pascagoula, MS; Three Mile Creek, Mobile, AL; Chickasaw Creek, Saraland, AL.

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The Coast Guard proposes to change the operating procedures governing the five CSX Transportation drawbridges across Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, MS; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, MS; Pascagoula River, Pascagoula, MS; Three Mile Creek, Mobile, AL; Chickasaw Creek, Saraland, AL. CSX has proposed to operate each of these bridges from a remote location within the CSX Seibert Railroad Yard located in Mobile, AL. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 193 (Wednesday, October 7, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 7, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64129-64133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20545]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2026-0889]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, 
MS; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, MS; Pascagoula River, Pascagoula, MS; 
Three Mile Creek, Mobile, AL; Chickasaw Creek, Saraland, AL.

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to change the operating procedures 
governing the five CSX Transportation drawbridges across Bay St. Louis, 
Bay St. Louis, MS; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, MS; Pascagoula River, 
Pascagoula, MS; Three Mile Creek, Mobile, AL; Chickasaw Creek, 
Saraland,

[[Page 64130]]

AL. CSX has proposed to operate each of these bridges from a remote 
location within the CSX Seibert Railroad Yard located in Mobile, AL. We 
invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before November 6, 2026.

ADDRESSES:  You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2026-0889 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
    See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion 
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments. This notice of proposed rulemaking with its plain-
language, 100-word-or-less proposed rule summary will be available in 
this same docket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or email Douglas Blakemore, Coast Guard Heartland District 
Bridge Administration Branch Chief at 504.671.2127, 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d490bba1b3b8b5a7fa95fa96b8b5bfb1b9bba6b194a1a7b7b3fab9bdb8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fabe958f9d969b89d4bbd4b8969b919f9795889fba8f89999dd4979396">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CSX CSX Transportation
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
OMB Office of Management and Budget
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Advance, Supplemental)
Sec.  Section
TDR Temporary Deviation to the Regulations
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background, Purpose and Legal Basis

    In 2022 CSX proposed to start operating their drawbridges in 
Mississippi from their train yard located in Mobile, AL. This proposal 
included the following bridges: CSX drawbridge across Bay St. Louis, 
mile 0.5, Bay St. Louis, MS; CSX drawbridge across the Back Bay of 
Biloxi, mile 0.4, Biloxi, MS; CSX across the Pascagoula River, mile 
1.5, Pascagoula, MS. The Coast Guard began a test of these remote 
operations systems in 2022 and published the following dockets:
    (1) For the CSX drawbridge across Bay St. Louis--docket number 
USCG-2022-0299; a Temporary Deviation to the Regulations (TDR) 
published September 7, 2022 (87 FR 54619), and a NPRM published Aug 12, 
2022 (87 FR 49793), both requested comments. We received three comments 
on the TDR from the American Waterways Operators (AWO), an anonymous 
submission, and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees 
Division (BMWED) and two comments on the NPRM.
    (2) For the CSX drawbridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi, docket 
number USCG-2022-0360, TDR with request for comments published 
September 19, 2022 (87 FR 57147). We received three comments from AWO, 
BMWED, and the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (GICA).
    (3) For the CSX drawbridge across the Pascagoula River, docket 
number USCG-2022-0298, TDR published September 7, 2022 (87 FR 54618), 
NPRM published August 16, 2022 (87 FR 50276), both requested comments. 
We received two comments from AWO and BMWED on the TDR and no comments 
on the NPRM.
    Most of the commenters on those 2022 TDRs and NPRMs expressed 
safety concerns with allowing remote operations of the drawbridge. Some 
commenters discussed concerns with potential disruptions to vessel 
movement due to mechanical failures.
    The Coast Guard cancelled all TDR's and NPRM's after the CSX 
drawbridge across the Mobile River was hit by a tow and barge on August 
24, 2022. The Coast Guard investigation identified that the remote 
drawbridge tender had lowered the draw onto a tow and barge that was 
passing under the bridge. In June 2024 CSX identified the root cause of 
this casualty was human error. CSX has since installed human computer 
interfaces that would act as protective measures to prevent a CSX 
remote bridge operator from lowering a drawbridge onto a boat beneath 
this bridge. The Coast Guard confirmed that the protective measures 
were in place during a Coast Guard site visit in August 2024.
    In October 2024 CSX again requested to remotely operate the above 
bridges located in Mississippi, as well as the CSX drawbridge across 
Three Mile Creek, mile 0.0 located in Mobile, AL and the CSX drawbridge 
across Chickasaw Creek, mile 0.0 located in Saraland, AL.
    In June 2025 the Coast Guard denied these requests. CSX did not 
provide sufficient information to evaluate whether operating these 
drawbridges from a remote location would provide an equivalent level of 
safety, as related to navigation safety, as provided by an onsite 
bridge tender. In September 2025 CSX appealed this decision to the 
Commandant of the Coast Guard, Office of Coast Guard Bridge Programs 
(CG-BRG). Included in the appeal, CSX provided additional information 
on their safety and security programs.
    In December 2025 the Coast Guard reviewed this additional 
information and determined that it was sufficient to run a test of 
their remote operations systems. We approved a temporary deviation to 
the regulations starting June 22, 2026, and ending September 22, 2026, 
allowing CSX to operate these drawbridges from the Seibert train yard 
located in Mobile, AL. During these tests, CSX will have a bridge 
tender onsite at each bridge to operate the bridge if needed.
    The CSX drawbridge across Bay St. Louis has a vertical clearance of 
13' in the closed to vessel position. The bridge operates according to 
the general opening regulation in 33 CFR 117.5--requiring the bridge to 
open on signal--and is used by commercial tows, barges and recreational 
vessels. The bridge opens for vessels about six times per day and 
vessels that do not need the bridge to open may pass anytime.
    The CSX drawbridge across Biloxi Bay has a vertical clearance of 
14' in the closed to vessel position. The bridge operates according to 
the general opening regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 and is used by 
commercial fishing boats, some tows, barges and recreational vessels. 
The bridge opens for vessels about 4 times per day and vessels that do 
not need the bridge to open may pass anytime.
    The CSX drawbridge across the Pascagoula River has a vertical 
clearance of 8' in the closed to vessel position. The bridge operates 
according to the general opening regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 and is used 
by commercial tows, barges and recreational vessels. The bridge opens 
for vessels about 17 times per day and vessels that do not need the 
bridge to open may pass anytime.
    The CSX drawbridge across Three Mile Creek has a vertical clearance 
of 3' in the closed to vessel position. The bridge operates according 
to the general opening regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 and is used by 
commercial tows and barges. The bridge opens for vessels about 8 times 
per day and vessels that do not need the bridge to open may pass 
anytime.
    The CSX drawbridge across Chickasaw Creek has a vertical clearance 
of 7' in the closed to vessel position. The bridge operates according 
to the general opening regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 and is used by 
commercial tows and barges. The bridge opens for vessels about 8 times 
per day and vessels that do not need the bridge to open may pass 
anytime.
    At each bridge described above, CSX has installed infrared cameras, 
closed circuit cameras and TVs, communication systems and information 
technology systems on the

[[Page 64131]]

bridge that allow an operator from Mobile to monitor and control the 
bridge. They have developed operation manuals that remote operators use 
to control each bridge and have provided documentation that CSX meets 
all government cybersecurity regulations.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    Under this proposed rule, each of the bridges addressed in this 
rulemaking will be remotely operated from the CSX train yard in Mobile, 
AL, and will open on signal. Vessels may contact the remote bridge 
tender at VHF-FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the 
bridge. This proposed rule requires CSX to stop trains from entering 
the signal block of the bridge and place and keep the draw in the open-
to-boat position when any part of the remote system fails; 
communications between a boat and the bridge operator fail; weather 
prevents the remote operator from identifying boats and vessels; 
safety, security and procedural systems of any kind fail; or at the 
direction of the Coast Guard. The draw will be allowed to open and 
close again when CSX provides a bridge operator at the bridge location, 
or the failure has been corrected. Returning the bridge to remote 
operations will require the approval of the Coast Guard.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 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 certifies 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 for the following reasons. This 
regulatory action determination is based on the ability that vessels 
can still transit the bridge upon giving a signal or anytime if they 
can pass under the drawbridge in the closed position.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.
    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 proposed rule. If the proposed rule 
would 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. The Coast Guard will not retaliate 
against small entities that question or complain about this proposed 
rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

B. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).

C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    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 proposed 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 proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it would 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. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section.

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 proposed rule will not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this 
proposed 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 proposed rule promulgates the 
operating regulations or procedures for drawbridges. Normally such 
actions are 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. We seek any comments or 
information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type 
USCG-2026-0889 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for 
this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click 
on the Comment option. If your material cannot be submitted using 
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions.
    Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this 
proposed rule as being available in the docket,

[[Page 64132]]

find the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select 
``Supporting & Related Material'' in the Document Type column. Public 
comments will also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by 
following instructions on the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> Frequently 
Asked Questions web page. Also, if you go to the online docket and sign 
up for email alerts through the ``Subscribe'' option, you will be 
notified when comments/updates are posted, or a final rule is 
published.
    Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we 
post to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> will include any personal 
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions 
in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking System of Records 
notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

    Bridges.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 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. 1.04.

0
2. Add Sec.  117.108 to read as follows:


Sec.  117.108  Chickasaw Creek.

    (a) The draw of the CSX swing bridge, mile 0.0, Mobile shall be 
remotely operated by a bridge tender located at the CSX train yard in 
Mobile, AL. The bridge shall be operated as follows.
    (1) The draw will open on signal.
    (2) Boats and vessels can contact the remote bridge tender at VHF-
FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge.
    (3) The draw will be immediately placed and left in the open-to-
boat position if any of the below situations occur.
    (i) If any combination of camera failures, thermal imaging 
capabilities or microwave sensor failures prevents the remote bridge 
tender from seeing upriver, downriver or beneath the bridge.
    (ii) Any communications failures prevent the bridge tender from 
communicating with boats.
    (iii) Weather prevents the remote bridge tender from visually 
identifying vessels or boats signaling the draw to open.
    (iv) The railroad does not meet any government or agency safety 
requirements.
    (v) The railroad does not meet any government or agency 
cybersecurity requirements.
    (vi) Railroad safety and security procedures or equipment to close 
or open the bridge fail.
    (vii) Anytime the CSX bridge tender is evacuated from the train 
yard for any reason or cannot perform any bridge operator activities 
for any reason.
    (b) If any of the above situations in section (a)(3), take place 
CSX will immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile Command Center to 
report the failure and that the draw has been placed and kept in the 
open-to-boat position.
    (1) The draw may resume onsite opening and closing when a bridge 
operator arrives onsite and can safely operate the drawbridge and CSX 
notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (2) The draw may resume operating from the remote location when the 
situations listed in paragraph 3 have been corrected and CSX notifies 
and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (c) CSX will immediately operate the bridge using an onsite bridge 
operator anytime at the direction of the District Commander.
    (d) CSX shall maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in 
good operating condition to be able to manually operate the bridge 
onsite.
0
3. Add Sec.  117.116 to read as follows:


Sec.  117.116  Three Mile Creek.

    (a) The draw of the CSX swing bridge, mile 0.0, Mobile shall be 
remotely operated by a bridge tender located at the CSX train yard in 
Mobile, AL. The bridge shall be operated as follows.
    (1) The draw will open on signal.
    (2) Boats and vessels can contact the remote bridge tender at VHF-
FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge.
    (3) The draw will be immediately placed and left in the open-to-
boat position if any of the below situations occur.
    (i) If any combination of camera failures, thermal imaging 
capabilities or microwave sensor failures prevents the remote bridge 
tender from seeing upriver, downriver or beneath the bridge.
    (ii) Any communications failures prevent the bridge tender from 
communicating with boats.
    (iii) Weather prevents the remote bridge tender from visually 
identifying vessels or boats signaling the draw to open.
    (iv) The railroad does not meet any government or agency safety 
requirements.
    (v) The railroad does not meet any government or agency 
cybersecurity requirements.
    (vi) Railroad safety and security procedures or equipment to close 
or open the bridge fail.
    (vii) Anytime the CSX bridge tender is evacuated from the train 
yard for any reason or cannot perform any bridge operator activities 
for any reason.
    (b) If any of the above situations in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section take place, CSX will immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile 
Command Center to report the failure and that the draw has been placed 
and kept in the open-to-boat position.
    (1) The draw may resume onsite opening and closing when a bridge 
operator arrives onsite and can safely operate the drawbridge and CSX 
notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (2) The draw may resume operating from the remote location when the 
situations listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section have been 
corrected and CSX notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (c) CSX will immediately operate the bridge using an onsite bridge 
operator anytime at the direction of the District Commander.
    (d) CSX shall maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in 
good operating condition to be able to manually operate the bridge 
onsite.
0
4. In Sec.  117.675, add paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  117.675  Back Bay of Biloxi.

* * * * *
    (c) The draw of the CSX swing bridge, mile 0.4, Biloxi shall be 
remotely operated by a bridge tender located at the CSX train yard in 
Mobile, AL. The bridge shall be operated as follows.
    (1) The draw will open on signal.
    (2) Boats and vessels can contact the remote bridge tender at VHF-
FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge.
    (3) The draw will be immediately placed and left in the open-to-
boat position if any of the below situations occur.
    (i) If any combination of camera failures, thermal imaging 
capabilities or microwave sensor failures prevents the remote bridge 
tender from seeing upriver, downriver or beneath the bridge.
    (ii) Any communications failures prevent the bridge tender from 
communicating with boats.
    (iii) Weather prevents the remote bridge tender from visually 
identifying

[[Page 64133]]

vessels or boats signaling the draw to open.
    (iv) The railroad does not meet any government or agency safety 
requirements.
    (v) The railroad does not meet any government or agency 
cybersecurity requirements.
    (vi) Railroad safety and security procedures or equipment to close 
or open the bridge fail.
    (vii) Anytime the CSX bridge tender is evacuated from the train 
yard for any reason or cannot perform any bridge operator activities 
for any reason.
    (4) If any of the above situations in paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section take place, CSX will immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile 
Command Center to report the failure and that the draw has been placed 
and kept in the open-to-boat position.
    (1) The draw may resume onsite opening and closing when a bridge 
operator arrives onsite and can safely operate the drawbridge and CSX 
notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (2) The draw may resume operating from the remote location when the 
situations listed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section have been 
corrected and CSX notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (5) CSX will immediately operate the bridge using an onsite bridge 
operator anytime at the direction of the District Commander.
    (6) CSX shall maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in 
good operating condition to be able to manually operate the bridge 
onsite.
0
5. Add Sec.  117.677 to read as follows:


Sec.  117.677  Bay St. Louis.

    (a) The draw of the CSX swing bridge, mile 0.5, Bay St. Louis shall 
be remotely operated by a bridge tender located at the CSX train yard 
in Mobile, AL. The bridge shall be operated as follows.
    (1) The draw will open on signal.
    (2) Boats and vessels can contact the remote bridge tender at VHF-
FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge.
    (3) The draw will be immediately placed and left in the open-to-
boat position if any of the below situations occur.
    (i) If any combination of camera failures, thermal imaging 
capabilities or microwave sensor failures prevents the remote bridge 
tender from seeing upriver, downriver or beneath the bridge.
    (ii) Any communications failures prevent the bridge tender from 
communicating with boats.
    (iii) Weather prevents the remote bridge tender from visually 
identifying vessels or boats signaling the draw to open.
    (iv) The railroad does not meet any government or agency safety 
requirements.
    (v) The railroad does not meet any government or agency 
cybersecurity requirements.
    (vi) Railroad safety and security procedures or equipment to close 
or open the bridge fail.
    (vii) Anytime the CSX bridge tender is evacuated from the train 
yard for any reason or cannot perform any bridge operator activities 
for any reason.
    (b) If any of the above situations in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section take place, CSX will immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile 
Command Center to report the failure and that the draw has been placed 
and kept in the open-to-boat position.
    (1) The draw may resume onsite opening and closing when a bridge 
operator arrives onsite and can safely operate the drawbridge and CSX 
notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (2) The draw may resume operating from the remote location when the 
situations listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section have been 
corrected and CSX notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (c) CSX will immediately operate the bridge using an onsite bridge 
operator anytime at the direction of the District Commander.
    (d) CSX shall maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in 
good operating condition to be able to manually operate the bridge 
onsite.
0
6. Add Sec.  117.682 to read as follows:


Sec.  117.682  Pascagoula River.

    (a) The draw of the CSX swing bridge, mile 1.5, Pascagoula shall be 
remotely operated by a bridge tender located at the CSX train yard in 
Mobile, AL. The bridge shall be operated as follows.
    (1) The draw will open on signal.
    (2) Boats and vessels can contact the remote bridge tender at VHF-
FM channel 13 or by the telephone number posted on the bridge.
    (3) The draw will be immediately placed and left in the open-to-
boat position if any of the below situations occur.
    (i) If any combination of camera failures, thermal imaging 
capabilities or microwave sensor failures prevents the remote bridge 
tender from seeing upriver, downriver or beneath the bridge.
    (ii) Any communications failures prevent the bridge tender from 
communicating with boats.
    (iii) Weather prevents the remote bridge tender from visually 
identifying vessels or boats signaling the draw to open.
    (iv) The railroad does not meet any government or agency safety 
requirements.
    (v) The railroad does not meet any government or agency 
cybersecurity requirements.
    (vi) Railroad safety and security procedures or equipment to close 
or open the bridge fail.
    (vii) Anytime the CSX bridge tender is evacuated from the train 
yard for any reason or cannot perform any bridge operator activities 
for any reason.
    (b) If any of the above situations in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section take place, CSX will immediately notify the Coast Guard Mobile 
Command Center to report the failure and that the draw has been placed 
and kept in the open-to-boat position.
    (1) The draw may resume onsite opening and closing when a bridge 
operator arrives onsite and can safely operate the drawbridge and CSX 
notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (2) The draw may resume operating from the remote location when the 
situations listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this sectin have been 
corrected and CSX notifies and receives approval from the Coast Guard.
    (c) CSX will immediately operate the bridge using an onsite bridge 
operator anytime at the direction of the District Commander.
    (d) CSX shall maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in 
good operating condition to be able to manually operate the bridge 
onsite.

W.E. Watson,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Coast Guard Heartland 
District.
[FR Doc. 2026-20545 Filed 10-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>