USCGFinal Rule

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Transportation

Summary

This regulation sets new rules for how drawbridges on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida should operate, including when they must open and close for boat traffic. The rules help manage water traffic flow while keeping the waterway safe and accessible for both boats and vehicles using the bridges.

Key Points

  • 1Establishes specific operating schedules for drawbridges in the Fort Lauderdale area to control when bridges open and close for boat passage
  • 2Affects boat operators who use the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and drivers who rely on these bridges for road access
  • 3The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will enforce these new operational requirements on bridge operators
  • 4Aims to balance the needs of water traffic (boats) with road traffic to reduce delays and congestion
  • 5Rule took effect in January 2026 and applies specifically to the Fort Lauderdale, Florida section of the waterway

Key Dates

Published

January 20, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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