Questions & Answers

Question – Kelly W. asks – Why do drawbridges open during rush hour traffic? The one I cross daily makes me late for work all the time.

Answer – Great question! Each drawbridge in the US has a set and listed schedule that can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically CFR Title 33, Chapter I, Subchapter J, Part 117, Subpart B (sounds very governmental, right?) You can actually find the exact schedule requirements for your specific drawbridge listed there but in general terms, the maritime vessel traffic usually has right-of-way.

Before a drawbridge is even built, the owners (usually a state, county or municipality) must apply for permission to interfere with maritime traffic over navigable waters. They generally agree to stipulations that grant waterway traffic the right-of-way in general. Depending on the volume of roadway traffic, concessions are sometimes granted that restrict openings for non-commercial vessels to certain times of the day (i.e. perhaps on the hour) while openings for commercial vessels are widely left unrestricted.

Every bridge is different though. Some bridges do restrict openings for even commercial vessels to certain times but it is more rare than common. Also, conditions do change so a change in restrictions can be petitioned for if the impact of bridge openings has become too severe. Generally your drawbridge owner would need to petition the Coast Guard for these changes, so that is where you should start your efforts. Good luck!