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National
United States Regulations
33 CFR PART 117—DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS






Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 117—DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS


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Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05–1(g); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1; section 117.255 also issued under the authority of Pub. L. 102–587, 106 Stat. 5039.

Source: CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 117 appear at 63 FR 35529, June 30, 1998.

Subpart A—General Requirements
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§ 117.1 Purpose.
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This subpart prescribes general requirements relating to the use and operation of drawbridges across the navigable waters of the United States.

Note: The primary jurisdiction to regulate drawbridges across the navigable waters of the United States is vested in the Federal Government. Laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules which purport to regulate these bridges and which are not promulgated by the Federal Government have no force and effect.

§ 117.3 Applicability.
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The provisions of this subpart not in conflict with the provisions of Subpart B apply to each drawbridge.

Note: For all of the requirements applicable to a drawbridge listed in Subpart B, one must review the requirements in Subpart A and §§117.51 through 117.99 of Subpart B, as well as the requirements in Subpart B applicable to the particular drawbridge in question.

§ 117.4 Definitions.
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Certain terms used in this part are defined in this section.

Appurtenance. The term “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.

Lowerable. The term “lowerable” means the nonstructural vessel appurtenance can be mechanically or manually lowered and raised again. The term “lowerable” also applies to a nonstructural vessel appurtenance which can be modified to make the item flexible, hinged, collapsible, or telescopic such that it can be mechanically or manually lowered and raised again. Failure to make the modification is considered equivalent to refusing to lower a lowerable nonstructural appurtenance that is not essential to navigation. Examples of appurtenances which are considered to be lowerable include, but are not limited to, fishing outriggers, radio antennae, television antennae, false stacks, and masts purely for ornamental purposes. Examples of appurtenances which are not considered to be lowerable include, but are not limited to, radar antennae, flying bridges, sailboat masts, piledriver leads, spud frames on hydraulic dredges, drilling derricks' substructures and buildings, cranes on drilling or construction vessels, or other items of permanent and fixed equipment.

Nonstructural. The term “nonstructural” means that the item is not rigidly fixed to the vessel and is thus susceptible to relocation or alteration.

Not essential to navigation. The term “not essential to navigation” means the nonstructural vessel appurtenance does not adversely affect the vessel's piloting, propulsion, control, or collision avoidance capabilities when in the lowered position.

[CGD 91–059, 59 FR 16563, Apr. 7, 1994]

§ 117.5 When the draw shall open.
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Except as otherwise required by this subpart, drawbridges shall open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given in accordance with this subpart.

Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations relating to temporary deviations from the regulatory provisions in §117.5, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

§ 117.7 General duties of drawbridge owners and tenders.
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(a) Drawbridge owners and tenders shall operate the draw in accordance with the requirement in this part.

(b) Except for drawbridges not required to open for the passage of vessels, owners of drawbridges shall ensure that:

(1) The necessary drawtenders are provided for the safe and prompt opening of the draw;

(2) The operating machinery of the draw is maintained in a serviceable condition; and.

(3) The draws are operated at sufficient intervals to assure their satisfactory operation.

§ 117.9 Delaying opening of a draw.
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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.
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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.

[CGD 91–059, 59 FR 16563, Apr. 7, 1994]

§ 117.15 Signals.
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(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.

Note: Call signs and radio channels for drawbridges with radiotelephones are listed in Appendix A to this part.

(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.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 82–025, 50 FR 11366, Mar. 21, 1985; CGD 84–022, 51 FR 16308, May 2, 1986; CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33664, June 28, 1996]

§ 117.17 Signalling for contiguous drawbridges.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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(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.
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(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.

[CGD 84–022, 51 FR 16308, May 2, 1986]

§ 117.31 Operation of draw for emergency situations.
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(a) When a drawtender is informed by a reliable source that an emergency vehicle is due to cross the draw, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives at the bridge.

(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.

[CGD 91–016, 58 FR 20, Jan. 4, 1993]

§ 117.33 Closure of draw for natural disasters or civil disorders.
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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 Operations during repair or maintenance.
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(a) When operation of the draw must deviate from the regulations in this part for scheduled repair or maintenance work, the drawbridge owner shall request approval from the District Commander at least 30 days before the date of the intended change. The request shall include a brief description of the nature of the work to be performed and the times and dates of requested changes. The District Commander's decision is forwarded to the applicant within five working days of the receipt of the request. If the request is denied, the reasons for the denial are forwarded with the decision.

(b) When the draw is rendered inoperative because of damage to the structure or when vital, unscheduled repair or maintenance work shall be performed without delay, the drawbridge owner shall immediately notify the District Commander and give the reasons why the draw is or should be rendered inoperative and the expected date of completion of the repair or maintenance work.

(c) All repair or maintenance work under this section shall be performed with all due speed in order to return the draw to operation as soon as possible.

(d) If the operation of the draw will be affected for periods of less than 60 days, the regulations in this part will not be amended. Where practicable, the District Commander publishes notice of the temporary deviations from the regulations in this part in the Federal Register and Local Notices to Mariners. If operation of the draw is expected to be affected for more than 60 days, the District Commander publishes temporary regulations covering the repair period.

§ 117.37 Opening or closure of draw for public interest concerns.
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(a) For reasons of public health or safety or for public functions, such as street parades and marine regattas, the District Commander may authorize the opening or closure of a drawbridge for a specified period of time.

(b) Requests for opening or closure of a draw shall be submitted to the District Commander at least 30 days before the proposed opening or closure and include a brief description of the proposed event or other reason for the request, the reason why the opening or closure is required, and the times and dates of the period the draw is to remain open or closed.

(c) Approval by the District Commander depends on the necessity for the opening or closure, the reasonableness of the times and dates, and the overall effect on navigation and users of the bridge.

§ 117.39 Closure of draw due to infrequent use.
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Upon written request by the owner or operator of a drawbridge, the District Commander may, after notice in the Federal Register and opportunity for public comment, permit the draw to be closed and untended due to infrequency of use of the draw by vessels. The District Commander may condition approval on the continued maintenance of the operating machinery.

§ 117.41 Maintenance of draw in fully open position.
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The draw may be maintained in the fully open position to permit the passage of vessels and drawtender service discontinued if the District Commander is notified in advance. The draw shall remain in the fully open position until drawtender service is restored or authorization under §117.39 is given for the draw to remain closed and untended.

§ 117.43 Changes in draw operation requirements for regulatory purposes.
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In order to evaluate suggested changes to the drawbridge operation requirements, the District Commander may authorize temporary deviations from the regulations in this part for periods not to exceed 90 days. Notice of these deviations is disseminated in the Local Notices to Mariners and published in the Federal Register.

[CGD–92–015b, 58 FR 46081, Sept. 1, 1993]

§ 117.45 Operation during winter season in the Great Lakes area.
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(a) The Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, may determine that drawbridges located in the Ninth Coast Guard District need not open during the winter season when general navigation is curtailed, unless a request to open the draw is given at least 12 hours before the time of the intended passage.

(b) Notice of these determinations is disseminated in Local Notices to Mariners and other appropriate media. Notices indicate—

(1) The name and location of the bridge affected;

(2) The period of time covered; and

(3) The telephone number and address of the party to whom requests for openings are given.

§ 117.47 Clearance gauges.
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(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 Mexico (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.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 84–022, 51 FR 16308, May 2, 1986; CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33664, June 28, 1996]

§ 117.49 Process of violations.
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(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.

Subpart B—Specific Requirements
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§ 117.51 Purpose.
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This subpart prescribes specific requirements relating to the operation of certain drawbridges.

Note: The drawbridges under this subpart are listed by the waterway they cross and by the state in which they are located. 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.

§ 117.53 Applicability.
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(a) The requirements in this subpart apply to the bridges listed and are in addition to, or vary from, the general requirements in Subpart A.

(b) A requirement in this subpart which varies from a general requirement in Subpart A supersedes the general requirement.

(c) All other general requirements in Subpart A not at variance apply to the bridges listed in this subpart.

(d) The draws of a number of the bridges listed in this subpart need not open for the passage of vessels during certain periods, however, this does not preclude the bridge owner from directing the drawtender to open the draw during these periods.

§ 117.55 Posting of requirements.
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(a) The owner of each drawbridge under this subpart, other than removable span bridges, shall ensure that a sign summarizing the requirements in this subpart applicable to the bridge is posted both upstream and downstream of the bridge. The requirements to be posted need not include those in Subpart A or §§117.51 through 117.99.

(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.

§ 117.57 Advance notice.
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Owners and tenders of drawbridges requiring advance notice to open shall use all reasonable means to open the draw at the requested time and give due regard to the possibility that a brief delay may be experienced by the vessel giving the advance notice.

§ 117.59 Special requirements due to hazards.
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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.

Alabama
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§ 117.101 Alabama River.
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(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 Canadian National/Illinois Central railroad bridge, mile 277 near Montgomery, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

(c) 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.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40056, June 29, 2000; CGD08–03–018, 68 FR 34303, June 9, 2003; CGD08–04–001, 69 FR 5465, Feb. 5, 2004]

§ 117.103 Bayou La Batre.
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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.

[CGD08–05–001, 70 FR 37675, June 30, 2005]

§ 117.105 Bayou Sara.
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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.

[CGD8–85–12, 50 FR 41685, Oct. 15, 1985]

§ 117.107 Chattahoochee River.
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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.
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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.

§ 117.113 Tensaw River.
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The draw of the CSX Transportation Railroad bridge, mile 15.0 at Hurricane, shall open on signal; except that, from 5 p.m. to 9 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.

[CGD8–85–09, 50 FR 37356, Sept. 13, 1985]

§ 117.115 Three Mile Creek.
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(a) The draw of the US43 bridge, mile 1.0 at Mobile, need not be opened from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given.

(b) The draw of the Norfolk Southern railroad bridge, mile 1.1 at Mobile, shall open on signal if at least five days notice is given.

Arkansas
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§ 117.121 Arkansas River
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The draw of the Missouri Pacific Railroad bridge, mile 23.1 near Yancopin, shall open on signal if at least 96 hours notice is given.

§ 117.123 Arkansas Waterway-Automated Railroad Bridges.
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(a) Across the Arkansas River, the draw of the Cotton Belt Railroad (Rob Roy) Bridge, Mile 67.4, is maintained in the closed position and is remotely operated. The following signals shall be used:

(1) The opening signal from the vessel for each of these bridges is three short blasts.

(2) The acknowledging signal is flashing white lights visible upstream and downstream. When the operator of the vessel sights the acknowledging signal, one prolonged blast shall be sounded.

(3) This signal is acknowledged by the bridge controller when the draw is to open by changing the flashing white lights to continuous white lights, and sounding one blast on a horn. When the span is fully raised to a maximum clearance of 52 feet, the navigation lights at mid channel change from red to green, indicating that the draw is ready for passage.

(4) If the draw cannot open, flashing amber warning lights are flashed and four blasts are sounded, indicating that a train is approaching or that maintenance work is in progress.

(5) The vessel shall acknowledge that there is a delay by sounding four short blasts.

(6) When the draw opens (after the train crosses or when maintenance work permits), the amber lights are turned off, the continuous white lights turned on, and one blast sounded, to indicate the draw is ready for passage.

(7) The vessel acknowledges with one blast and, after the draw is fully open, may proceed through the draw.

(8) When the vessel clears the draw, the mid channel navigation light changes from green to red, the amber warning lights will flash, and, after one minute, the draw lowers and locks.

(b) The draws of the Junction Railroad Bridge at mile 118.7 and the Baring Cross Railroad Bridge at mile 119.6, Arkansas River, at Little Rock, are maintained in the closed position and are remotely operated. The draw of the Rock Island Railroad Bridge at mile 118.2, Arkansas River, at Little Rock, is maintained in the open position. Use the following procedures to request opening of these bridges when necessary for transit;

(1) Normal Flow Procedures. Any upbound or downbound vessel which requires opening the draw of any of these bridges shall establish contact by radiotelephone with the remote drawbridge operator on VHF-FM Channel 13 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The remote drawbridge operator will advise the vessel whether the requested span can be immediately opened and maintain constant contact with the vessel until the requested span has opened and the vessel passage has been completed. If any or all of the drawbridges cannot be opened immediately, the remote drawbridge operator will notify the calling vessel and provide an estimated time for individual drawbridge openings.

(2) High Velocity Flow Procedures. The area from mile 118.2 to mile 125.4 is a regulated navigation area (RNA) as described in 33 CFR 165.817. During periods of high velocity flow, which is defined as a 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 these three bridges be opened for unimpeded passage shall contact the remote drawbridge operator on VHF-FM Channel 13 either before departing Murray Lock and Dam, or before departing the mooring cells at Mile 121.5 to ensure that the Rock Island, Junction, and Baring Cross Railroad drawbridges are opened. The remote drawbridge operator shall immediately respond to the vessel's call, ensure that all three drawbridges are open for pasage, and ensure that they remain in the open positon until the downbound vessel has passed through each drawbridge. If a closed drawbridge cannot be opened immediately for unimpeded passage in accordance with 33 CFR 163.203, the remote drawbridge operator will immediately notify the downbound vessel and provide an estimated time for drawbridge openings. Upbound vessels shall request openings in accordance with the normal flow procedures as set forth above. The remote drawbridge operator shall keep all approaching vessels informed of the position of the drawbridge spans.

(c) The draw of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad Bridge, Mile 300.8 Arkansas River at Van Buren, and the Missouri Pacific Railroad Drawbridge, Mile 7.5 Arkansas Waterway at Benzal, are maintained in the open position with a minimum vertical clearance of 52 feet except as follows:

(1) When a train approaches either 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 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.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984; 49 FR 37381, Sept. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD2–91–03, 57 FR 1392, Jan. 14, 1992; USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35527, June 30, 1998; USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40056, June 29, 2000]

§ 117.125 Black River.
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The following draws need not be opended for the passage of vessels:

(a) Union Pacific railroad bridge, mile 3.4 at Paroquet.

(b) Burlington Northern railroad bridge, mile 68.4 at Black Rock.

(c) Arkansas State Highway Department bridge, mile 90.1 at Pocahontas.

(d) Burlington Northern railroad bridge, mile 90.4 at Pocahontas.

(e) Union Pacific railroad bridge, mile 144.4 at Corning.

(f) Arkansas State Highway Department bridge, mile 152.2 at Corning.

§ 117.127 Current River.
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The draws of the Arkansas highway bridge, mile 10.2, and the Burlington Northern railroad bridge, mile 12.2, both at Biggers, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

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

[CGD2 89–03, 55 FR 12820, Apr. 6, 1990, as amended by USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35527, June 30, 1998]

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

§ 117.137 St. Francis River.
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The draws of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad bridge, mile 59.7 at Madison, and all drawbridges above that point, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD02 86–33, 51 FR 32318, Sept. 11, 1986]

§ 117.139 White River.
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(a) Requirements for the Missouri Pacific railroad bridge, mile 7.5 at Benzal, are in §117.123.

(b) The draws of the St. Louis Southwestern railroad bridge, mile 98.9 at Clarendon, the US70 highway bridge, mile 121.7 at DeValls Bluff, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad bridge, mile 122.0 at DeValls Bluff, 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.

(c) The draws of the Arkansas highway bridge, mile 300.1 at Batesville, and the Missouri Pacific railroad bridge, mile 401.9 at Cotter, need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

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

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984; 49 FR 37381, Sept. 24, 1984]

§ 117.143 Bishop Cut.
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The draw of the San Joaquin County highway bridge, mile 1.0 between King Island and Bishop Tract, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

§ 117.145 Burns Cutoff.
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The draw of the Daggett Road bridge, mile 3.0 at Stockton, shall open on signal if at least 48 hours notice is given to the U.S. Naval Communications Station at Stockton.

§ 117.147 Cerritos Channel.
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(a) The draw of the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim highway bridge, mile 4.9 at Long Beach, shall open on signal; except that, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened for the passage of vessels. The opening signal for the Commodore Schuyler Heim brige is three prolonged blasts. 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.

(b) 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.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984; 49 FR 37381, Sept. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD11–90–03, 61 FR 59026, Nov. 20, 1996; 62 FR 31724, June 11, 1997; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34712, June 29, 1999]

§ 117.149 China Basin, Mission Creek.
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The draws of the 3rd Street bridge, mile 0.0, and the 4th 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.
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The draw of the Reclamation District No. 2027 bridge between Mandeville and Bacon Islands, mile 2.5 near Stockton, shall open on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender during regular operating hours, or to the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8. The draw shall open on signal if at least one hour notice is given for emergency vessels owned, operated or controlled by the United States or the State of California, for commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations, or for vessels in distress.

[CGD 12–84–02, 49 FR 25446, June 21, 1984; 49 FR 43458, Oct. 29, 1984]

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

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35527, June 30, 1998]

§ 117.155 Eureka Slough.
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The draw of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company Bridge, mile 0.3 at Eureka, need not be opened for the passage of vessels. The owner or agency controlling the bridge shall restore the draw to full operation within six months of notification to take such action from the District Commander.

[CGD 11–93–001, 59 FR 8409, Feb. 22, 1994, as amended by USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35527, June 30, 1998]

§ 117.157 Georgiana Slough.
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The draws of the Sacramento County highway bridges, mile 4.5 near Isleton, and mile 12.4 near Walnut Grove, shall open on signal from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 through October 31. The draws shall open on signal from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draws of these bridges shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

§ 117.159 Grant Line Canal.
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The draw of the San Joaquin County highway bridge, mile 5.5 at Tracy, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

§ 117.161 Honker Cut.
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The draw of the San Joaquin County (Eightmile Road) bridge, mile 0.3 between Empire Tract and King Island at Stockton, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

§ 117.163 Islais Creek (Channel).
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The draw of the 3rd Street bridge, mile 0.4 at San Francisco, shall open on signal if at least one hour notice is given.

§ 117.165 Lindsey Slough.
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The center span of the Hastings Farms highway bridge, mile 2.0 between Egbert and Lower Hastings Tracts, shall be removed for the passage of maintenance vessels if at least 72 hours notice is given to the Hastings Island Land Company office at Rio Vista.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–85–05, 50 FR 31176, Aug. 1, 1985]

§ 117.167 Little Potato Slough.
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The draw of the California Department of Transportation highway bridge, mile 0.1, at Terminus, shall open on signal if at least 4 hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

[CGD11–95–02, 61 FR 17248, Apr. 19, 1996]

§ 117.169 Mare Island Strait and the Napa River.
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(a) The draw of the Mare Island Drawbridge, mile 2.8, at Vallejo shall open on signal between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and upon two hours advance notice all other times. When the drawbridge operator is present, mariners may contact the drawbridge via marine radio or telephone at (707) 648–4313 for drawspan operation. When the drawbridge operator is not present, mariners may contact the City of Vallejo via the same telephone number to schedule drawspan operation.

(b) The draw of the Northwestern Pacific railroad bridge, mile 10.6 at Brazos, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except for the crossing of trains or for maintenance. When the draw is closed and visibility at the drawtender's station is less than one mile, up or down the channel, the drawtender shall sound two prolonged blasts every minute. When the draw is opened, the drawtender shall sound three short blasts.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–85–02, 50 FR 20758, May 20, 1985; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34712, June 29, 1999; CGD11–03–006, 69 FR 21958, Apr. 23, 2004; CGD 11–05–025, 70 FR 20467, Apr. 20, 2005]

§ 117.171 Middle River.
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(a) The draw of the San Joaquin County (Bacon Island Road) highway bridge, mile 8.6 between Bacon Island and Lower Jones Tract, shall open on signal from May 15 through September 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From September 16 through May 14, the draw shall open on signal from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday through Monday. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

(b) The draw of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge, mile 9.8 near Middle River Station, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Manager of Structures at San Bernadino.

(c) The California Route 4 Bridge, mile 15.1, between Victoria Island and Drexler Tract need not open for the passage of vessels.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984; 49 FR 37381, Sept. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–85–01, 50 FR 26559, June 27, 1985; USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40056, June 29, 2000]

§ 117.173 Miner Slough.
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The draw of the California Department of Transportation highway bridge, mile 5.5 between the northerly end of Ryer Island and Holland Tract, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

§ 117.175 Mokelumne River.
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(a) The draw of the California Department of Transportation highway bridge, the Mokelumne River Bridge, mile 3.0, at East Isleton shall open upon signal as follows:

(1) From November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(2) From May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., except that during the following periods the draw need only open for recreational vessels on the hour, 20 minutes past the hour, and 40 minutes past the hour:


Saturdays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Sundays 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Memorial Day; 4th of July; and Labor Day 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.


(3) At all other times the draw shall open on signal if at least 4 hours notice is given to the drawtender at Rio Vista bridge over the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

(4) Emergency vessels of the United States, state or commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations, and vessels in distress shall be passed as soon as possible but no later than one hour after notice is given.

(b) The draw of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties (Millers Ferry) highway bridge, mile 12.1 over the North Fork of the Mokelumne River near Walnut Grove, shall open on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works at Stockton.

(c) The removable span of the San Joaquin County highway bridge over the South Fork of the Mokelumne River, mile 18.0 at New Hope Landing, shall be removed as soon as possible upon notification by the District Commander that an emergency exists which requires the removal.

(d) The draws of the bridges above New Hope Landing need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 11–92–10, 58 FR 33339, June 17, 1993]

§ 117.177 Mud Slough.
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The draw of the Union Pacific railroad bridge, mile 0.7 near Alviso, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

§ 117.179 Newark Slough.
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The draw of the San Mateo County Transportation Department railroad bridge, mile 0.5 near Newark, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given to the San Mateo Transportation Department, at San Carlos.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by USCG–1998–3799, 63 FR 35527, June 30, 1998]

§ 117.181 Oakland Inner Harbor Tidal Canal.
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The draws of the Alameda County highway drawbridges at Park Street, mile 5.2; Fruitvale Avenue, mile 5.6; and High Street, mile 6.0; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers railroad drawbridge, mile 5.6 at Fruitvale Avenue, shall open on signal; except that, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened for the passage of vessels. However, the draws shall open during the above closed periods for vessels which must, for reasons of safety, move on a tide or slack water, if at least two hours notice is given. The draws shall open as soon as possible for vessels in distress and emergency vessels, including commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations.

[CGD 11–11–99–013, 66 FR 18725, Apr. 11, 2001]

§ 117.183 Old River.
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The draw of the California Department of Transportation (Route 4) highway bridge, mile 14.8 between Victoria Island and Byron Tract, shall open on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

§ 117.185 Pacheco Creek.
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The draw of the Contra Costa County highway bridge, mile 1.0, and Union Pacific Railroad bridge, mile 1.1, both near Martinez, shall open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is given.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–85–02, 50 FR 20758, May 20, 1985]

§ 117.187 Petaluma River.
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(a) The draws of the Northwestern Pacific railroad bridges, mile 0.8 at Blackpoint and mile 12.4 at Haystack Landing, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except for the crossing of trains or for maintenance. When the draw is closed and visibility from the drawtender's station is less than one mile up or down the channel, the drawtender shall sound two long blasts every minute. When the draw is reopened, the drawtender shall sound three short blasts.

(b) The draw of the Petaluma highway bridge at “D” Street, mile 13.7 at Petaluma, shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given for openings from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and if at least 24 hours notice is given for openings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The draw shall open as soon as possible for vessels in distress and vessels, including commercial vessels, engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 11–88–10, 53 FR 51099, Dec. 20, 1988]

§ 117.189 Sacramento River.
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(a) The draws of each bridge from Isleton to American River junction shall open on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draws shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.

(b) The draws of the California Department of Transportation bridges, mile 90.1 at Knights Landing, and mile 135.5 at Meridian, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the California Department of Transportation at Marysville.

(c) The draws of the bridges above Meridian need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–86–01, 51 FR 20483, June 5, 1986]

§ 117.191 San Joaquin River.
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(a) The draw of the Port of Stockton railroad bridge, mile 39.7 at Stockton, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the Port Director.

(b) The draws of the U.S. Navy Draw-bridge, mile 39.8, Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge, mile 40.6, and California Highway 4 bridge (Garwood Bridge), mile 41.6, need not be opened for the passage of vessels. The owners or agencies controlling the bridges shall restore the draws to full operation within six months of notification to take such action from the District Commander.

(c) Drawbridges above the Old River junction need not open for the passage of vessels.

[CGD 82–025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, as amended by CGD 12–85–06, 50 FR 31177, Aug. 1, 1985; CGD 88–052, 53 FR 25120, July 1, 1988; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34712, June 29, 1999]

§ 117.193 San Leandro Bay.
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The draws of the California Department of Transportation highway bridge, mile 0.0 (kilometer 0.0) and the City of Alameda bicycle bridge, mile 0.1 (kilometer 0.2) between Alameda and Bay Farm Island, shall open on signal; except that, from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the draws shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given. Notice shall be given to the drawtender of the Bay Farm Island bridges from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and to the drawtender of the Park Street bridge at Alameda at all other times. The draws need not be opened for the passage of vessels from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

[CGD11–96–005, 61 FR 17249, Apr. 19, 1996]

§ 117.195 Snodgrass Slough.
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The draw of the Sacramento County bridge, mile 4.4 at Walnut Grove, shall open on signal if at least 72 hours notice is given to Sacramento County Transportation Operations and Maintenance office at Sacramento. The draw shall open as soon as possible for vessels in distress, and vessels, including commercial vessels, engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations oremergency flood control efforts. (continued)