DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS

• Citation: 33 CFR Part 117
• Sections: 423

§ 117.1 Purpose.

(a) This part prescribes the general and special drawbridge operating regulations that apply to the drawbridges across the navigable waters of the United States and its territories. The authority to regulate drawbridges across the navigable waters of the United States is vested in the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(b) Subpart A contains the general operation requirements that apply to all drawbridges.

(c) Subpart B contains specific requirements for operation of individual drawbridges. These requirements are in addition to or vary from the general requirements in Subpart A. Specific sections in subpart B that vary from a general requirement in Subpart A supersede the general requirement. All other general requirements in Subpart A, that are not at variance, apply to the drawbridges and removable span bridges listed in Subpart B.

§ 117.4 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this part:

Appurtenance means an attachment or accessory extending beyond the hull or superstructure that is not an integral part of the vessel and is not needed for a vessel's piloting, propelling, controlling, or collision avoidance capabilities.

Automated drawbridge means a drawbridge that is operated by an automated mechanism, not a drawtender. An automated drawbridge is normally kept in the open to navigation position and closes when the mechanism is activated.

Deviation means a District Commander's action authorizing a drawbridge owner to temporarily not comply with the drawbridge opening requirements in this part.

Drawbridge means a bridge with an operational span that is intended to be opened for the passage of waterway traffic.

Drawspan means the operational span of a drawbridge.

Lowerable means a non-structural vessel appurtenance that is or can be made flexible, hinged, collapsible, or telescopic so that it can be mechanically or manually lowered.

Nonstructural means that the item is not rigidly fixed to the vessel and can be relocated or altered.

Not essential to navigation means that a nonstructural vessel appurtenance, when in the lowered position, would not adversely affect the vessel's piloting, propulsion, control, or collision-avoidance capabilities.

Public vessel means a vessel that is owned and operated by the United States Government and is not engaged in commercial service, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101.

Remotely operated drawbridge means a drawbridge that is operated by remote control from a location away from the drawbridge.

Removable span bridge means a bridge that requires the complete removal of a span by means other than machinery installed on the bridge to open the bridge to navigation.

Untended means that there is no drawtender at the drawbridge.

§ 117.5 When the drawbridge must open.

Except as otherwise authorized or required by this part, drawbridges must open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request or signal to open is given in accordance with this subpart.

§ 117.7 General requirements of drawbridge owners.

Except for drawbridges that have been authorized, before January 3, 2007, to remain closed to navigation or as otherwise specified in subpart B, drawbridge owners must:

(a) Provide the necessary drawtender(s) for the safe and prompt opening of the drawbridge.

(b) Maintain the working machinery of the drawbridge in good operating condition.

(c) Cycle the drawspan(s) periodically to ensure operation of the drawbridge.

(d) Ensure that the drawbridge operates in accordance with the requirements of this part.

(e) Any drawbridge allowed to remain closed to navigation prior to January 3, 2007, when necessary, must be returned to operable condition within the designated time set forth by the District Commander and will become subject to the requirements of this part.

§ 117.8 Permanent changes to drawbridge operation.

(a) Anyone may submit a written request to the District Commander for a permanent change to a drawbridge operating requirement. The request must include documentation supporting or justifying the requested change.

(b) If after evaluating the request, the District Commander determines that the requested change is not needed, he or she will respond to the request in writing and provide the reasons for denial of the requested change.

(c) If the District Commander decides that a change may be needed, he or she will begin a rulemaking to implement the change.

§ 117.9 Delaying opening of a draw.

No person shall unreasonably delay the opening of a draw after the signals required by § 117.15 have been given.

Note:

Trains are usually controlled by the block method. That is, the track is divided into blocks or segments of a mile or more in length. When a train is in a block with a drawbridge, the draw may not be able to open until the train has passed out of the block and the yardmaster or other manager has “unlocked” the drawbridge controls. The maximum time permitted for delay is defined in Subpart B for each affected bridge. Land and water traffic should pass over or through the draw as soon as possible in order to prevent unnecessary delays in the opening and closure of the draw.

§ 117.11 Unnecessary opening of the draw.

No vessel owner or operator shall—

(a) Signal a drawbridge to open if the vertical clearance is sufficient to allow the vessel, after all lowerable nonstructural vessel appurtenances that are not essential to navigation have been lowered, to safely pass under the drawbridge in the closed position; or

(b) Signal a drawbridge to open for any purpose other than to pass through the drawbridge opening.

§ 117.15 Signals.

(a) General. (1) The operator of each vessel requesting a drawbridge to open shall signal the drawtender and the drawtender shall acknowledge that signal. The signal shall be repeated until acknowledged in some manner by the drawtender before proceeding.

(2) The signals used to request the opening of the draw and to acknowledge that request shall be sound signals, visual signals, or radiotelephone communications described in this subpart.

(3) Any of the means of signaling described in this subpart sufficient to alert the party being signaled may be used.

(b) Sound signals. (1) Sound signals shall be made by whistle, horn, megaphone, hailer, or other device capable of producing the described signals loud enough to be heard by the drawtender.

(2) As used in this section, “prolonged blast” means a blast of four to six seconds duration and “short blast” means a blast of approximately one second duration.

(3) The sound signal to request the opening of a draw is one prolonged blast followed by one short blast sounded not more than three seconds after the prolonged blast. For vessels required to be passed through a draw during a scheduled closure period, the sound signal to request the opening of the draw during that period is five short blasts sounded in rapid succession.

(4) When the draw can be opened immediately, the sound signal to acknowledge a request to open the draw is one prolonged blast followed by one short blast sounded not more than 30 seconds after the requesting signal.

(5) When the draw cannot be opened immediately, or is open and shall be closed promptly, the sound signal to acknowledge a request to open the draw is five short blasts sounded in rapid succession not more than 30 seconds after the vessel's opening signal. The signal shall be repeated until acknowledged in some manner by the requesting vessel.

(c) Visual signals. (1) The visual signal to request the opening of a draw is—

(i) A white flag raised and lowered vertically; or

(ii) A white, amber, or green light raised and lowered vertically.

(2) When the draw can be opened immediately, the visual signal to acknowledge a request to open the draw, given not more than 30 seconds after the vessel's opening signal, is—

(i) A white flag raised and lowered vertically;

(ii) A white, amber, or green light raised and lowered vertically; or

(iii) A fixed or flashing white, amber, or green light or lights.

(3) When the draw cannot be opened immediately, or is open and must be closed promptly, the visual signal to acknowledge a request to open the draw is—

(i) A red flag or red light swung back and forth horizontally in full sight of the vessel given not more than 30 seconds after the vessel's opening signal; or

(ii) A fixed or flashing red light or lights given not more than 30 seconds after the vessel's opening signal.

(4) The acknowledging signal when the draw cannot open immediately or is open and must be closed promptly shall be repeated until acknowledged in some manner by the requesting vessel.

(d) Radio telephone communications. (1) Radiotelephones may be used to communicate the same information provided by sound and visual signals.

(2) The vessel and the drawtender shall monitor the frequency used until the vessel has cleared the draw.

(3) When radiotelephone contact cannot be initiated or maintained, sound or visual signals under this section shall be used.

§ 117.17 Signalling for contiguous drawbridges.

When a vessel must past two or more drawbridges close together, the opening signal is given for the first bridge. After acknowledgment from the first bridge that it will promptly open, the opening signal is given for the second bridge, and so on until all bridges that the vessel must pass have been given the opening signal and have acknowledged that they will open promptly.

§ 117.19 Signalling when two or more vessels are approaching a drawbridge.

When two or more vessels are approaching the same drawbridge at the same time, or nearly the same, time, whether from the same or opposite directions, each vessel shall signal independently for the opening of the draw and the drawtender shall reply in turn to the signal of each vessel. The drawtender need not reply to signals by vessels accumulated at the bridge for passage during a scheduled open period.

§ 117.21 Signalling for an opened drawbridge.

When a vessel approaches a drawbridge with the draw in the open position, the vessel shall give the opening signal. If no acknowledgment is received within 30 seconds, the vessel may proceed, with caution, through the open draw.

§ 117.23 Installation of radiotelephones.

(a) When the District Commander deems it necessary for reasons of safety of navigation, the District Commander may require the installation and operation or a radiotelephone on or near a drawbridge.

(b) The District Commander gives written notice of the proposed requirement to the bridge owner.

(c) All comments the owner wishes to submit shall be submitted to the District Commander within 30 days of receipt of the notice under paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) If, upon consideration of the comments received, the District Commander determines that a radiotelephone is necessary, the District Commander notifies the bridge owner that a radiotelephone shall be installed and gives a reasonable time, not to exceed six months, to install the radiotelephone and commence operation.

§ 117.24 Radiotelephone installation identification.

(a) The Coast Guard authorizes, and the District Commander may require the installation of a sign on drawbridges, on the upstream and downstream sides, indicating that the bridge is equipped with and operates a VHF radiotelephone in accordance with § 117.23.

(b) The sign shall give notice of the radiotelephone and its calling and working channels—

(1) In plain language; or

(2) By a sign consisting of the outline of a telephone handset with the long axis placed horizontally and a vertical three-legged lightning slash superimposed over the handset. The slash shall be as long vertically as the handset is wide horizontally and normally not less than 27 inches and no more than 36 inches long. The preferred calling channel should be shown in the lower left quadrant and the preferred working channel should be shown in the lower right quadrant.

Note:

It is recommended that the radiotelephone sign be similar in design to the Service Signs established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in U.S. Road Symbol Signs using Reflective Blue and Reflective White colors. Color and design information is available from the District Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the bridge is located.

§ 117.31 Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels.

(a) Upon receiving notification that an emergency vehicle is responding to an emergency situation, a drawtender must make all reasonable efforts to have the drawspan closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives.

(b) When a drawtender receives notice, or a proper signal as provided in § 117.15 of this part, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw opened, regardless of the operating schedule of the draw, for passage of the following, provided this opening does not conflict with local emergency management procedures which have been approved by the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port:

(1) Federal, State, and local government vessels used for public safety;

(2) Vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or property;

(3) Commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations; and

(4) Vessels seeking shelter from severe weather.

§ 117.33 Closure of draw for natural disasters or civil disorders.

Drawbridges need not open for the passage of vessels during periods of natural disasters or civil disorders declared by the appropriate authorities unless otherwise provided for in Subpart B or directed to do so by the District Commander.

§ 117.35 Temporary change to a drawbridge operating schedule.

(a) For any temporary change to the operating schedule of a drawbridge, lasting less than or equal to 180 days, the District Commander may issue a deviation approval letter to the bridge owner and publish a “Notice of temporary deviation from regulations” in the Federal Register.

(b) If the time period for a temporary change to the operating schedule of a drawbridge will be greater then 180 days, the District Commander will follow appropriate rulemaking procedures and publish a temporary rule in the Federal Register prior to the start of the action.

(c) Request for change. (1) To temporarily change the drawbridge-operating requirements the bridge owner must submit a written request to the District Commander for approval of the change.

(2) The request must describe the reason for the deviation and the dates and times scheduled for the start and end of the change.

(3) Requests should be submitted as early as possible, preferably 90 days before the start of the action. District Commanders have discretion to accept requests submitted less than 90 days before a needed change if those requests can be processed before the date of the needed change.

(d) Determination. The District Commander's determination to allow the schedule change is normally forwarded to the bridge owner within ten working days after receipt of the request. If the request is denied, the reasons for the denial will be set out in the District Commander's decision letter.

(e) The drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time period.

(f) If the authorized deviation period for an event is broken into separate time periods on the same day or on consecutive days, the drawbridge must provide openings for navigation between authorized schedule changes.

(g) The District Commander will also announce the change to the operating schedule in the Local Notice to Mariners and other appropriate local media.

§ 117.36 Closure of drawbridge for emergency repair.

(a) When a drawbridge unexpectedly becomes inoperable, or should be immediately rendered inoperable because of mechanical failure or structural defect, the drawbridge owner must notify the District Commander of the closure without delay and give the reason for the emergency closure of the drawbridge and an estimated time when the drawbridge will be returned to operating condition.

(b) The District Commander will notify mariners about the drawbridge status through Broadcast Notices to Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners and any other appropriate local media.

(c) Repair work under this section must be performed with all due speed in order to return the drawbridge to operation as soon as possible.

§ 117.39 Authorized closure of drawbridge due to infrequent requests for openings.

(a) When there have been no requests for drawbridge openings for at least two years, a bridge owner may request in writing that the District Commander authorize the drawbridge to remain closed to navigation and to be untended.

(b) The District Commander may:

(1) Authorize the closure of the drawbridge;

(2) Set out any conditions in addition to the requirement in paragraph (d): and

(3) Revoke an authorization and order the drawbridge returned to operation when necessary.

(c) All drawbridges authorized to remain closed to navigation, under this section, must be maintained in operable condition.

(d) Authorization under this section does not:

(1) Authorize physical changes to the drawbridge structure, or

(2) Authorize removal of the operating machinery.

(e) Drawbridges authorized under this section to remain closed to navigation and to be untended are identified in subpart B of this part.

§ 117.40 Advance notice for drawbridge opening.

(a) Upon written request by the owner of a drawbridge, the District Commander may authorize a drawbridge to operate under an advance notice for opening. The drawbridge tender, after receiving the advance notice, must open the drawbridge at the requested time and allow for a reasonable delay in arrival of the vessel giving the advance notice.

(b) If the request is approved, a description of the advanced notice for the drawbridge will be added to subpart B of this part.

§ 117.41 Maintaining drawbridges in the fully open position.

(a) Drawbridges permanently maintained in the fully open to navigation position may discontinue drawtender service as long as the drawbridge remains fully open to navigation. The drawbridge must remain in the fully open position until drawtender service is restored.

(b) If a drawbridge is normally maintained in the fully open to navigation position, but closes to navigation for the passage of pedestrian, vehicular, rail, or other traffic, the drawbridge must be tended unless:

(1) Special operating requirements are established in subpart B of this part for that drawbridge; or

(2) The drawbridge is remotely operated or automated.

§ 117.42 Remotely operated and automated drawbridges.

(a) Upon written request by the owner of a drawbridge, the District Commander may authorize a drawbridge to operate under an automated system or from a remote location.

(b) If the request is approved, a description of the full operation of the remotely operated or automated drawbridge will be added to subpart B of this part.

§ 117.47 Clearance gauges.

(a) Clearance gauges are required for drawbridges across navigable waters of the United States discharging into the Atlantic Ocean south of Delaware Bay (including the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, DE) or into the Gulf of America (including coastal waterways contiguous thereto and tributaries to such waterways and the Lower Atchafalaya River, LA), except the Mississippi River and its tributaries and outlets,

(b) Except for provisions in this part which specify otherwise for particular drawbridges, clearance gauges shall be designed, installed, and maintained according to the provisions of § 118.160 of this chapter.

Note:

Clearance gauge requirements, if any, for drawbridges other than those referred to in this section are listed in Subpart B under the appropriate bridge.

§ 117.49 Process of violations.

(a) Complaints of alleged violations under this part are submitted to the District Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the drawbridge is located.

(b) Penalties for violations under this part are assessed and collected under Subpart 1.07 of Part 1 of this chapter.

§ 117.51 General.

The drawbridges in this subpart are listed by the state in which they are located and by the waterway they cross. Waterways are arranged alphabetically by state. The drawbridges listed under a waterway are generally arranged in order from the mouth of the waterway moving upstream. The drawbridges on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway are listed from north to south and on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from east to west.

§ 117.55 Posting of requirements.

(a) The owner of each drawbridge under this subpart, other than removable span bridges, must ensure that a sign summarizing the requirements in this subpart applicable to the drawbridge is posted both upstream and downstream of the drawbridge. The requirements to be posted need not include those in subpart A of this part or §§ 117.51 and 117.59.

(b) The signs shall be of sufficient size and so located as to be easily read at any time from an approaching vessel.

(c) If advance notice is required to open the draw, the signs shall also state the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be notified.

§ 117.59 Special requirements due to hazards.

For the duration of occurrences hazardous to safety or navigation, such as floods, freshets, and damage to the bridge or fender system, the District Commander may require the owner of an operational drawbridge listed in this subpart to have the bridge attended full time and open on signal.

§ 117.101 Alabama River.

(a) The Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway Drawbridge, mile 105.3, at Coy, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

(b) The draw of the Meridian and Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) Bridge, mile 205.9, at Selma, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given. An opening can be arranged by contacting the Meridian and Bigbee Railroad Roadmaster at 601-480-5071.

(c) The draw of the Canadian National/Illinois Central railroad bridge, mile 277 near Montgomery, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

(d) The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 293.3 near Montgomery, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

§ 117.103 Bayou La Batre.

The draw of SR 188 Bridge, mile 2.3, at Bayou La Batre, will open on signal every hour on the hour daily between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The bridge need not open for the passage of vessels on the hours of 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Monday through Friday the draw will open on signal for the passage of vessels at 3:30 p.m. The bridge will remain closed to marine traffic from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily except for emergencies.

§ 117.105 Bayou Sara.

(a) The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 0.1 near Saraland, shall open on signal; except that, from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the draw shall open on signal if at least eight hours' notice is given. During periods of severe storms or hurricanes, from the time the National Weather Service sounds an “alert” for the area until the “all clear” is sounded, the draw shall open on signal.

(b) The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 0.1 near Saraland, AL shall be remotely operated by the bridge tender at CSX's bridge remote control center in Mobile, Alabama. Vessels can contact the CSX bridge tender via VHF-FM channel 13 or by telephone at the number displayed on the signs posted at the bridge to request an opening of the draw.

(c) CSX will return the tender to the bridge location within 3 hours following any of the below situations:

(1) Any component of the remote operations system fails and prevents the remote operator from being able to visually identify vessels, communicate with vessels, detect vessels immediately underneath the bridge or visually identify trains approaching the bridge;

(2) CSX fails to meet Federal Railway Administration (FRA) or any other government agency safety requirements;

(3) Anytime at the direction of the District Commander.

§ 117.106 Black Warrior River.

The draw of the Alabama Gulf Coast (AGR) vertical lift span (Yo-Yo) bridge across the Black Warrior River, mile 219.0, at Demopolis, shall operate as follows:

(a) The draw shall be maintained in the fully open-to-navigation position for vessels at all times, except during periods when it is closed for the passage of rail traffic.

(b) Railroad track circuits will initiate the automatic bridge opening and closing sequences. (Estimated duration that the bridge will remain closed for passage of rail traffic is 10 to 15 minutes.)

(c) Upon detecting an approaching train, the track circuits will initiate bridge closing warning consisting of continuous horn blowing and the navigation lights changing to flashing yellow. Photoelectric (infrared) boat detectors will monitor the waterway beneath the bridge for the presence of vessels.

(d) At the end of a six-minute warning period, if no vessels have been detected by the boat detectors, the bridge lowering sequence will automatically proceed taking approximately two minutes to complete. As soon as the bridge leaves the up position, the horn will silence but the navigation lights change to flashing red.

(e) Upon passage of the train, the bridge will automatically open unless another movement is detected. The navigation lights will continue to flash red until the bridge has returned to the full open position at which time they will change to steady green.

(f) The bridge can also be operated from two locked trackside control location (key releases) on the approach spans, one on each side of the movable span.

(g) To request openings of the bridge when the lift span is in the closed-to-navigation position, mariners may contact the AGR via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 205-654-4364.

§ 117.107 Chattahoochee River.

The draws of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 117.1 near Omaha, GA, shall open on signal if at least six hours notice is given.

§ 117.109 Coosa River.

The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 175.0 at Gadsden, shall open on signal if at least six hours notice is given.

§ 117.111 Mobile River.

(a) The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 13.1 near Hurricane, AL shall be remotely operated by the bridge tender at CSX's bridge remote control center in Mobile, AL and shall open promptly and fully when signaled to open. Vessels can contact the CSX bridge tender via VHF-FM channel 13 or by telephone at the number displayed on the signs posted at the bridge to request an opening of the draw.

(b) CSX will return the tender to the bridge location within 3 hours following any of the below situations:

(1) Any component of the remote operations system fails and prevents the remote operator from being able to visually identify vessels, communicate with vessels, detect vessels immediately underneath the bridge or visually identify trains approaching the bridge;

(2) CSX fails to meet Federal Railway Administration (FRA) or any other government agency safety requirements;

(3) Anytime at the direction of the District Commander.

§ 117.113 Tensaw River.

The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 15.0 at Hurricane, shall open on signal if at least ten-hours-notice is given. The draw shall open at the direction of the District Commander.

§ 117.118 Tombigbee River.

(a) The draw of the Meridian and Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) vertical lift span bridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 128.6 (Black Warrior Tombigbee (BWT) Waterway mile 173.6), at Naheola, shall operate as follows:

(1) The draw shall be maintained in the fully open-to-navigation position for vessels at all times, except during periods when it is closed for the passage of rail traffic.

(2) When a train approaches the bridge, it will stop and a crewmember from the train will observe the waterway for approaching vessels. If vessels are observed approaching the bridge, they will be allowed to pass prior to lowering the bridge. The crewmember will then announce via radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 that the bridge is preparing to be lowered. If, after two minutes, no response has been received, the crewmember will initiate the lowering sequence.

(3) After the train has completely passed over the bridge, the crewmember will initiate the raising sequence. When the bridge is in the fully open-to-navigation position, the crewmember will announce via radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 that the bridge is in the fully open-to-navigation position.

(4) To request openings of the bridge when the lift span is in the closed-to-navigation position, mariners may contact the MNBR via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 205-654-4364.

(b) The draw of the Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) Vertical Lift Bridge across the Tombigbee River, mile 89.9, near Jackson, Washington and Clarke Counties, Alabama shall be operated as follows:

(1) The draw shall be kept in the open-to-vessel position, except during periods when it will close for the passage of rail traffic or to perform periodic maintenance authorized in accordance with subpart A of this part.

(2) When a train approaches the bridge, the draw tender will initiate the bridge closing warning signal, consisting of radio calls via VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and activation of flashing red warning lights at each end of the span. The radio calls will be broadcast at five (5) minutes prior to bridge closing and at two (2) minutes prior to bridge closing. At the end of the two-minute warning period, if there are no vessels passing beneath the bridge or there have been no requests to pass beneath the bridge then the draw will automatically close. Upon passage of the train, the draw will return to the open-to-vessel position. The warning lights will continue to flash red until the draw is completely opened.

(3) The draw shall be remotely operated by the draw tender at Norfolk Southern Railroad's bridge control center in Decatur, Alabama. Closed Circuit TVs, infrared detectors and an Automatic Identification System have been installed at the bridge. Vessels can contact the NSRR draw tender via VHF-FM channel 13 or by telephone at the number displayed on the signs posted at the bridge to request an opening of the draw when the vertical lift span is in the closed-to-vessel position.

(4) NSRR will immediately provide an on-site bridge tender if:

(i) Any component of the remote operations system fails and prevents the remote operator from being able to visually identify vessels, communicate with vessels, detect vessels immediately underneath the bridge or visually identify trains approaching the bridge.

(ii) Anytime NSRR cannot meet Federal Railway Administration (FRA) or any other government agency safety requirements.

(iii) Anytime that the NSRR procedures or equipment to close or open the bridge listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section fail.

(iv) When weather reaches a point where the remote draw tender cannot visually identify a vessel from the remote location.

(v) At the direction of the District Commander.

§ 117.123 Arkansas Waterway.

(a) Across the Arkansas Waterway, the draw of the Rob Roy Drawbridge, mile 67.4, at Pine Bluff, Arkansas is maintained in the closed to navigation position and is remotely operated. Any vessel which requires an opening of the draw of this bridge shall establish contact by radiotelephone with the remote drawbridge operator on VHF-FM Channel 12 in Omaha, Nebraska. To establish contact, the vessel shall key the VHF-FM radio microphone four times in five seconds and listen for an acknowledgement tone. The remote drawbridge operator will then establish normal verbal radio communication on VHF-FM Channel 12 and advise the vessel whether the requested span can be immediately opened and will maintain constant radio contact with the vessel until the requested span has opened and vessel passage has been completed. The bridge is equipped with a Photoelectric Boat Detection System to prevent the span from lowering if there is an obstruction under the span. If the drawbridge cannot be opened immediately, the remote drawbridge operator will notify the calling vessel and provide an estimated time for a drawspan opening.

(b) Across the Arkansas Waterway, the draw of the Baring Cross Railroad Drawbridge, mile 119.6 at Little Rock, Arkansas, is maintained in the closed position and is remotely operated. Use the following procedures to request an opening of this bridge when necessary for transit:

(1) Normal flow procedures. Any vessel which requires an opening of the draw of this bridge shall establish contact by radiotelephone with the remote drawbridge operator on VHF-FM Channel 13 in Omaha, Nebraska. To establish contact, the vessel shall key the VHF-FM radio microphone four times in five seconds and listen for an acknowledgement tone. The remote drawbridge operator will then establish normal verbal radio communication on VHF-FM Channel 13 and advise the vessel whether the requested span can be immediately opened and will maintain constant radio contact with the vessel until the requested span has opened and vessel passage has been completed. The bridge is equipped with a Photoelectric Boat Detection System to prevent the span from lowering if there is an obstruction under the span. If the drawbridge cannot be opened immediately, the remote drawbridge operator will notify the calling vessel and provide an estimated time for a drawspan opening.

(2) High velocity flow procedures. The area from mile 118.2 to mile 125.4 is a regulated navigation area as described in § 165.817. During periods of high velocity flow rate of 70,000 cubic feet per second or greater at the Murray Lock and Dam, mile 125.4, downbound vessels which require that the draw of this bridge be opened for unimpeded passage shall contact the remote drawbridge operator as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section either before departing Murray Lock and Dam or before departing the mooring cells at mile 121.5 to ensure that the drawspan is opened well in advance of arrival at the bridge. The remote drawbridge operator shall immediately respond to the vessel's contact, ensure the drawspan is open for passage, and ensure that it remains in the open to navigation position until the downbound vessel has safely passed through. If it cannot be opened immediately for unimpeded passage in accordance with § 165.817, the remote drawbridge operator will notify the downbound vessel and provide an estimated time for a drawspan opening. Upbound vessels shall request openings in accordance with the normal flow procedures as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The remote drawbridge operator shall keep these approaching vessels informed of the position of the drawspan at all times until safe passage is completed.

(c) Across the Arkansas Waterway, the draw of the Van Buren Railroad Drawbridge, mile 300.8 at Van Buren, Arkansas, is maintained in the open position except as follows:

(1) When a train approaches the bridge, amber lights attached to the bridge begin to flash and an audible signal on the bridge sounds. At the end of 10 minutes, the amber light continues to flash; however, the audible signal stops and the draw lowers and locks if the photoelectric boat detection system detects no obstruction under the span. If there is an obstruction, the draw opens to its full height until the obstruction is cleared.

(2) After the train clears the bridge, the draw opens to its full height, the amber flashing light stops, and the mid channel lights change from red to green, indicating the navigation channel is open for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.125 Black River.

The Union Pacific Railroad Bridge, mile 3.4 at Paoquet need not open for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.129 Little Red River.

The draws of the Burlington Northern railroad bridge, mile 25.0, and Arkansas highway bridge, mile 25.2, both at Judsonia, and the Arkansas highway bridge, mile 30.5 at Searcy, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.131 Little River.

The draws of the Burlington Northern railroad bridge, mile 7.1 near Fulton, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.133 Ouachita River.

The draw of the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad Bridge, Mile 338.8 near Camden, need not be open for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.135 Red River.

The draws of the bridges above mile 276.0 at the Arkansas Louisiana border, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.139 White River.

The draws of the St. Louis Southwestern railroad bridge, mile 98.9 at Clarendon, the Missouri Pacific railroad bridge, mile 196.3 at Augusta and the Missouri Pacific railroad bridge, mile 254.8 at Newport, shall open on signal if at least eight hours' notice is given. The draws of any of these bridges need not be opened for a vessel that arrives later than two hours after the time specified in the notice, unless a second notice of at least eight hours is given.

§ 117.140 General.

In California, when fog prevails by day or night, the drawtender, after sounding the opening signal, shall toll a bell continuously during the approach and passage of a vessel.

§ 117.141 American River.

The draw of the Jiboom Street bridge, mile 0.1 at Sacramento, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

§ 117.143 Bishop Cut.

The draw of the San Joaquin County(Eight Mile Road) Highway Bridge, mile 1.0 between King Island and Bishop Tract, must open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

§ 117.147 Cerritos Channel.

The draw of the Henry Ford Avenue railroad bridge, mile 4.8 at Long Beach, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except when a train is crossing or for maintenance. If the draw is in the closed position, the opening signal is two short blasts followed by one prolonged blast. The acknowledging signal is two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast when the draw will open immediately and five short blasts when the draw will not open immediately. Channel 13 (156.65 MHZ) or other assigned frequencies may be used.

§ 117.149 China Basin, Mission Creek.

The draws of the Third Street bridge, mile 0.0, and the Fourth Street bridge, mile 0.2, both at San Francisco, shall open on signal if at least one hour notice is given.

§ 117.150 Connection Slough.

The draw of the Reclamation District No. 2027 bridge between Mandeville and Bacon Islands, mile 2.5 near Stockton, from May 15 through September 15, shall open on signal between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and it shall open upon 12 hours advance notice between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.; and from September 16 through May 14 the draw shall open upon 12 hours advance notice between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and it shall open upon 24 hours advance notice between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Advance notice shall be given to the drawbridge operator by telephone at [phone] or [phone] weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and at [phone] all other times.

§ 117.151 Cordelia Slough (a tributary of Suisun Bay).

The draws of the Union Pacific railroad bridge, mile 1.5 at Suisun, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

§ 117.153 Corte Madera Creek.

The draw of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District bridge, mile 0.5 near Greenbrae, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except for the crossing of trains or for maintenance.