US Bridges

Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel

Good

Catano Municipio, Puerto Rico · 3.5 KM South of Catano · Structure no. 026731

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
48,500
2017 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel in Catano Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 48,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,700 by 2025. The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 5
CrossesBuchannan Channel
Location3.5 KM South of Catano
RouteState Highway 5
CountyCatano Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.43029, -66.13693
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.9 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.5 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,500 (2017)
Projected traffic56,700 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel carry?

About 48,500 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel?

The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 5 over Buchannan Channel?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.