Coast Guard Proposes Major Operational Shift for Wishkah River Railroad Bridge in Aberdeen, WA
The U.S. Coast Guard is moving to significantly alter the operational procedures for the Puget Sound and Pacific railroad bridge located at mile 0.1 on the Wishkah River in Aberdeen, Washington. This proposed regulatory shift, published on June 16, 2026, marks a departure from the current default of the bridge remaining in the fully open position for marine navigation. Under the new proposal, the bridge would normally be maintained in a closed-to-navigation state, requiring mariners to provide a 24-hour advance notice for any needed openings. This change, initiated by the bridge owner, Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWRR), aims to streamline operations in response to a documented decline in marine traffic requiring bridge access.
Background to the Proposed Change
GWRR, the owner and operator of the PS&P railroad bridge, formally requested this modification to the existing operating regulation, 33 CFR 117.1065(b). Their rationale is rooted in data from bridge logs, which indicate a dramatic reduction in marine vessel openings. Over the past decade, the bridge has required opening for marine traffic only one or two times annually. This infrequent usage has prompted GWRR to seek an amendment that would allow the bridge to remain closed by default, thereby eliminating the continuous need for an on-site bridge operator and potentially reducing operational costs.
Currently, the PS&P railroad bridge operates as a swing bridge, providing a vertical clearance of eight feet above high water when in the closed-to-navigation position. The Wishkah River in this section offers no alternate routes for marine traffic, making the bridge a critical point of passage for any vessels unable to clear the eight-foot vertical clearance. The proposed rule acknowledges this constraint, aiming to balance the efficiency needs of the railroad with the navigational requirements of mariners.
Operational Implications for Mariners and Bridge Operations
The primary implication for mariners is the new requirement for advance planning. Vessels needing the bridge to open will be mandated to provide a minimum of 24-hours' notice. This notification can be made via telephone or VHF radio channel 13. The Coast Guard states this modification will continue to serve the reasonable needs of mariners, asserting that the ability to request an opening with proper notice ensures continued access.
Furthermore, the proposed rule introduces a change in the signaling protocol. When the draw is to be opened or closed, the drawtender will be required to sound one prolonged blast followed by one short blast. Significantly, the proposal also seeks to remove a prior requirement for the drawtender to sound two prolonged blasts every minute in conditions of low visibility (less than one mile up or down the channel) when the bridge is closed. This specific change is logical given the bridge's proposed default position of being closed to navigation.
Regulatory Analyses and Public Input
The Coast Guard has conducted several regulatory analyses to assess the potential impacts of this proposed rule:
Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 mandates federal agencies to consider the impact of regulations on small entities. The Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This determination is based on the extremely low frequency of past bridge openings and the continued provision for vessels to request openings with 24-hour notice. Despite this assessment, the Coast Guard explicitly invites comments from any small businesses, organizations, or governmental jurisdictions that believe they would experience a significant economic impact.
Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
Under Executive Order 13132 on Federalism, the Coast Guard has determined the proposed rule is consistent with federalism principles, indicating no substantial direct effect on States or the distribution of power between federal and state governments. The Coast Guard also consulted with the Quinault Indian Nation. Although no formal response has been received to date, the Coast Guard intends to conclude that the rule would have "no tribal implications" under Executive Order 13175, as it would not substantially affect tribal nations or their relationship with the federal government.
Environmental Considerations
An environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) concluded that this action falls within a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. The rule, which pertains to drawbridge operating regulations, is categorically excluded from further environmental review.
Conclusion of Comment Period
The public comment period for this proposed rulemaking is set to close on July 16, 2026. The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging all interested parties to submit comments via regulations.gov, providing specific rationale for any suggestions or recommendations. This public input phase is crucial for ensuring all perspectives and potential ramifications of the proposed operational change are thoroughly considered before a final rule is issued.
This proposed change reflects a broader trend of federal agencies adapting regulations to current realities of infrastructure use and economic efficiency. The balance struck between maintaining navigation access and acknowledging reduced demand for bridge openings will be closely watched, particularly by local marine operators and advocacy groups. The final rule will demonstrate how the Coast Guard weighs these competing interests in a dynamic operational environment.
