US Bridges

Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel

Poor

Arecibo Municipio, Puerto Rico · 3 Miles East of Arecibo · Structure no. 007021

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel in Arecibo Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Puerto Rico average of 51.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: open, posting recommended but not legally implemented.

It carries about 9,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,000 by 2025. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 681 1.6 KM
CrossesTiburones Channel
Location3 Miles East of Arecibo
RouteState Highway 681
CountyArecibo Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.47694, -66.6975
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, posting recommended but not legally implemented
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.9 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,000 (2017)
Projected traffic13,000 by 2025
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$708,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel carry?

About 9,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 681 1.6 KM over Tiburones Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.