On paper this bridge could be operated by one individual, but in reality it's a 2-4 person job. Since this road is so busy, and this bridge is so old, roadway issues, electrical, and mechanical malfunctions are not uncommon, and troubleshooting such a large structure is always easier with more people. The call out time operation / notification system you're talking about is a neat idea that I've seen used in other states. Unfortunately the gears of government grind very slowly. It was a two-year effort to change this bridge to a 2-hour call out time from 11pm to 7am. Right now, marine pilots just aren't required to call ahead, so they don't.