CNR Railroad Swing Bridge

Comment by: Richard Neumann, Valkyrie, on Aug 6, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Better communication would go a long way here. The signs noting opening times are nice, but the only sign at the bridge is a "No mooring" sign. That would be a perfect place to post updates, so boaters aren't left in the dark. In our case, we honked our horn 3 times at the first sign, because a local boater told us sometimes the bridge tender will swing the bridge early. The bridge wasn't open when we arrived, so I figured the tender was waiting until 1000, as posted on the sign. When that time came and went, and we didn't see anybody around, I honked again, because I wasn't sure anybody saw us. An irate man stomped out of the shed next to the bridge, waving his arms and shouting. I couldn't hear most of what he said, but what I did hear was he would never open the bridge if I honked again. He obviously thought I was being impatient, when instead I was just looking for some sort of acknowledgement and update. We waited over 96 minutes before the bridge finally swung open. By then, another Looper boat had joined us and the bridge tender almost closed the bridge on him before he got through. In talking to other Loopers later, I heard long wait times was a common occurrence today.

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Comment by: Everett, knot tide down, on Jul 19, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Had a great experience. As I came into view the tender started to walk across the bridge to get in position to open. Arrived at noon on a Saturday. As I passed by the bridge I yelled up to the Tender "Thank You" and got an immediate response "Have a great loop." Now we had a friend boat looping who attempted on Friday at 10am but had to wait 2 hours. They experienced what some of the other comments state.

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Comment by: Amy SPENCER on Jul 15, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

As we got closer to railway bridge, signage was saying next "turn" at such and such time. We were uncertain what "turn" meant, as the channel may have blind spots at turns. Waited patiently. When time posted neared, a train came and then the bridge did its swing "turn"... in case you also wonder. As is normal, no VHF or phone contact and trains have priority.

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Comment by: Dave Niewoonder on Jul 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Northbound on the waterway. An electronic sign board has been added on the West Bank. Operator posted that a train was expected and an approximate opening time. He was off by 30 minutes, but at least he communicated something.

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Comment by: Debbie Hatt, Just Sayin, on Aug 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.0'

Been sitting at this bridge for 2 hours waiting for it to open. One small train came through right as we got here. No communication at all. There is no excuse for this. Two hours later now, another train is coming Why did they not open between? I can't wait to exit the TSW. Never again!

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Comment by: Jeff French, Yachts of Fun, on Mar 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 14.0'

If you need opened, bring your patience, train traffic takes priority. Most times not bad, but have had up to 2 hour wait!

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