Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Manitowoc River, Manitowoc, WI

DEEPER READ

This proposed rule from the Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security addresses the operating schedules and procedures for two drawbridges in Manitowoc, Wisconsin: the Eighth Street Bridge at mile 0.29 and the Tenth Street Bridge at mile 0.43 on the Manitowoc River. The proposal stems from a formal request by the City of Manitowoc, which sought a full regulatory review of the current bridge operation rules. The city's goals are to reduce vehicle congestion in the downtown area and to modernize operations by enabling remote control of both drawbridges. The rulemaking process began with an interim rule published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2025, which solicited public comments. This current proposed rule builds on that step by specifically incorporating remote operation authority for the drawbridges, representing a meaningful change from any prior requirement for on-site operators. Remote operation could affect how quickly bridges respond to marine traffic requests and may have implications for both vessel operators on the Manitowoc River and drivers using the bridges. The affected parties include local residents and commuters who rely on the Eighth Street and Tenth Street Bridges for vehicle travel, commercial and recreational marine vessel operators who use the Manitowoc River, and the City of Manitowoc, which manages local infrastructure. The Coast Guard retains federal authority over navigable waterway bridge operations under applicable federal law. The public comment period is open, and the agency will review feedback before issuing a final rule. No final implementation date is specified in the available record.

AS PUBLISHED

The Coast Guard is proposing to alter the operating schedule that governs the Eighth Street Bridge, mile 0.29 and the Tenth Street Bridge, mile 0.43, over the Manitowoc River, in the town of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The City of Manitowoc has requested a full review of the current bridge regulations to alleviate vehicle congestion in downtown Manitowoc and to operate both bridges remotely. On May 21, 2025, we published an interim rule requesting comments in the Federal Register. We are now proposing to include remote operations for the drawbridges. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

THE SAGE'S PERSPECTIVE