US Bridges

Pr 173 over Arenas Creek

FairPosted for load

Guaynabo Municipio, Puerto Rico · 9 KM North Aguas Buenas · Structure no. 003931

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 173 over Arenas Creek is a concrete slab carrying Pr 173 over Arenas Creek in Guaynabo Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 86 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 9,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,000 by 2025. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 173
CrossesArenas Creek
Location9 KM North Aguas Buenas
RouteState Highway 173
CountyGuaynabo Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.31138, -66.09152
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 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
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$139,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 173 over Arenas Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Pr 173 over Arenas Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Pr 173 over Arenas Creek carry?

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

How long is Pr 173 over Arenas Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 173 over Arenas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.