Opportunity
Federal Register #USCG-2025-0309
Coast Guard Proposes Remote Operation and Safety Requirements for UPRR Drawbridge and WHALE FPS Zone
Posted
August 07, 2026
Respond By
September 08, 2026
Identifier
USCG-2025-0309
NAICS
541330, 541690, 541512
This opportunity involves a Coast Guard regulatory proposal affecting the operation of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) drawbridge over the Old Brazos River in Brazoria County, Texas. - Government Buyer: U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Heartland District - OEM Highlight: Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) is the primary operator and system owner - Products/Systems Involved: - Remote operation system for the drawbridge, including: - Six cameras (with thermal imaging) - Microwave and LIDAR sensors - Communication systems (VHF radio, telephone) - Services Requested: - Remote monitoring and operation of the UPRR drawbridge from the UPRR train yard - Ongoing maintenance and compliance with Coast Guard safety and cybersecurity requirements - Notable Requirements: - Bridge must default to open-to-boat position if any remote system, communication, safety, or cybersecurity failure occurs - UPRR must maintain the ability for manual onsite operation at all times - Coast Guard oversight and approval required for resuming remote operations after any failure - Public comment is invited on the proposed regulatory change - Additional regulatory action: Establishment of a safety zone around Shell's WHALE Floating Production System (FPS) in the Gulf of America, restricting vessel entry within 500 meters unless authorized
Description
The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule for the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) drawbridge crossing the Old Brazos River near Brazoria, TX. The proposal involves remotely operating the drawbridge from the UPRR train yard in Brazos, TX, replacing the current onsite bridge tender operation. The drawbridge will continue to open and close to allow boat and train traffic, with safety measures requiring the bridge to remain open to boats if remote operation fails. Public comments on this proposed rulemaking are invited until September 8, 2026.