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June 21, 2023
U.S. Coast Guard Announces Temporary Railroad Bridge Deviation
STUART—The United States Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railroad Bridge, mile 7.41, and the NW Dixie Highway Bridge, mile 7.5, across the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW), at Stuart, Florida.
In anticipation of a significant increase in railway activity across the FEC Railroad Bridge, the USCG is considering changing the operating regulation for the FEC Railroad Bridge to allow the drawbridge to operate on a more predictable schedule. The operating regulation for the adjacent NW Dixie Highway Bridge will be modified to allow for the drawbridges to operate in concert.
This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed.
Under this temporary deviation, the FEC Railroad Bridge shall open on signal at the quarter and three-quarter hour and remain open until all vessels requiring or requesting an opening have cleared, except any open period shall not exceed 15 minutes.
This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on June 21, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on December 17, 2023.
CLICK HERE to make a public comment. Public comments and related material must reach the USCG on or before August 4, 2023.
CLICK HERE for official documents: Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Okeechobee Waterway, Stuart, FL
"We are grateful to Congressman Brian Mast for his continued support and we appreciate his recognition of the role the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast has played in supporting those who rely on this passageway for personal or commercial purposes. The association and our members are thankful for the initial information we are receiving and know that our commitment to cameras on the bridge monitoring train and marine traffic will validate the execution of the deviation. Most importantly, we appreciate everyone who has supported our efforts and encourage others to join our cause."
Justin Beard
Executive Director
Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast
Contact Your Elected Officials: Your Opinion Matters!
Our elected officials need to understand how changing the USCG operating schedule at the FEC Railroad Bridge will impact mariners and marine-related businesses. Please take a moment to contact each of your elected officials below and share your thoughts.
