Train Bridge Raising

[corystemp]

Hoping to get confirmation on some information I have read about having a train bridge raised to cross under. Specifically in Washington State since that is were we are currently located. I have read that the VHF Radio station to use for bridge crossings is 13. You radio in on this channel to the bridge controller to ask them to raise the bridge. Is the Waymark Code for each bridge the code you give them or is there a name for each bridge? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[uncledom]

Bridge tenders can sometimes be fussy about what to call them and channel 13 is the correct channel. I use active captain for a lot of bridge schedules and information. Try https://activecaptain.com/index.php and sign up for a free account. It was privately owned but now is owned by Garmin. It is free to use and you can plot your route and find some interesting information about the areas you will travel through.

 

[jssailem]

Cory, Which bridge? What part of the state? Some happen on a schedule and no horn or calll will wake or disturb the operator. Others are at the call of the boater and they Alan be very accommodating. The one over the Columbia likes to disturb the traffic flow sometimes, maintaining the marine traffic right of way and moving the lube on the bridge mechanisms have been stated as reasons for a lift just before rush hour. Ha ha ha....

 

[corystemp]

Cory, Which bridge? What part of the state? Some happen on a schedule and no horn or calll will wake or disturb the operator. Others are at the call of the boater and they Alan be very accommodating. The one over the Columbia likes to disturb the traffic flow sometimes, maintaining the marine traffic right of way and moving the lube on the bridge mechanisms have been stated as reasons for a lift just before rush hour. Ha ha ha....

Thanks! We called the number posted on the bridge and had it raised. Operator was mad that we didnt use our radio but we are new so didnt know how to go about it that way (He raised it anyways). We are located in Eastern Washigton in the Tri-Cities. One of the bridges in our area has a number and name to the reference the bridge but the others do not. Whats the best way to go about finding out what to call the bridge so they know which one to raise?

 

[corystemp]

Bridge tenders can sometimes be fussy about what to call them and channel 13 is the correct channel. I use active captain for a lot of bridge schedules and information. Try https://activecaptain.com/index.php and sign up for a free account. It was privately owned but now is owned by Garmin. It is free to use and you can plot your route and find some interesting information about the areas you will travel through.

Thanks so much. This site is awesome. Has all the info I was looking for I really appreciate you sharing!!

 

[Hunter Ad Bot]

And now a word from the sponsor...

Deck fill caps for most Hunter sailboats

Stainless, nylon, in all the shapes and sizes, replacement caps are in stock.
See the product

 

[jssailem]

Cory
There are two NOAA charts of the river near the Columbia Marina identified in your profile. It appears the three bridges over the Columbia are much taller than your mast.
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18543.shtml
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18542.shtml
You can use the chart locator on this website to view more of the NOAA charts.
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/InteractiveCatalog/nrnc.shtml?rnc=18542
I see the two train bridges appear to inhibit your exploration of the Snake and east on the Columbia.
When you are ready to stretch your sailing, come visit us up on the Puget Sound. You'll quickly be awed...

 

[jssailem]

Appears the two train bridges are could block your sailing. I could not find any easy names for these bridges. May have local names. I'd ask folks at the marina. Could always try labeling them by the towns they serve, Burbank or Finely. There are sound signals you can use to request a bridge lift.

It is customary, at least in most areas, to contact the bridge tender by VHF radio to request an opening, however, there is a sound signal that can be used. To sound signal the bridge use one prolonged blast followed within 3 seconds with one short blast. The bridge tender will acknowledge an OK with the same signal. If there is a problem in opening at that time the bridge tender will answer with a "NO" by sounding five short blasts. You acknowledge your understanding of the "NO" by responding with five short blasts.
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/bridge.htm​