New Rules for New Haven Line Drawbridge Openings

https://new.mta.info/article/changes-me ... Z0zjjDlo8E

Changes to Metro-North bridge opening schedules in Connecticut effective February 23, 2024

Effective February 23, 2024, the Coast Guard regulations governing Metro-North bridges across the Mianus River in Greenwich, CT (Cos Cob Bridge), the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT (Saga Bridge), and the Housatonic River in Stratford, CT (Devon Bridge) are changed. All three bridges will operate as follows:

The draw will open on signal between 4:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. after at least a two-hour advance notice is given; except that, from 5:45 a.m. through 9:45 a.m. and from 4 p.m. through 8 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays, the draw need not open for the passage of vessel traffic unless an emergency exists.

From 9 p.m. through 4:30 a.m. the draw will open on signal after at least a four-hour advance notice is given.

A delay in opening the draw not to exceed 10 minutes may occur when a train scheduled to cross the bridge without stopping has entered the drawbridge lock.

Requests for bridge openings may be made by calling (212) 340-2050.
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JS: This topic title should be introduced by Bill Mahre during the NEW RULES segment on his weekly HBO show...
BM could read the information about the three bridges along with offering some of his comedic wit...

These new rules for opening the three bridges for water traffic are good for MNCR being straightforward
about how much lead time is required for a opening and which times that any bridge movements will NOT
be allowed - the AM and PM Peak hours on weekdays being prime New Haven Line commute times...

Allowing limited bridge openings and keeping New Haven Line train traffic moving smoothly can be a
delicate balance and is a prime necessity on this very busy rail route...MACTRAXX

Will this allow an increase in MNCR and Amtrak service? It sounds really good! 4 hours notice is a long time; with such a long lead time they might not need tenders for each bridge during the overnight!

Since Walk Bridge was not mentioned does anyone know what if any times are used for WALK?

I believe that the is the current law that governs the movement of the WALK bridge
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/c ... 117.217(b)

For those interested, here 's the discussion that took place when the law was last changed in in 2016,
https://www.federalregister.gov/documen ... norwalk-ct
and
https://www.federalregister.gov/documen ... norwalk-ct

The rules for the Cos Cob, Saga, and Devon Bridges are aligning with the rules for Walk Bridge. Does this mean all the New Haven line draw bridges now have the same rules?

Changes to Metro-North bridge opening schedules in Connecticut effective February 23, 2024



A delay in opening the draw not to exceed 10 minutes may occur when a train scheduled to cross the bridge without stopping has entered the drawbridge lock.

So once an oncoming train has passed the distant signal to the bridge interlocking the bridge will not be opened until the train has cleared; good to have that settled.