US Bridges

Pr 501 over Ca%as River

FairPosted for load

Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico · 2 KM North of Ponce · Structure no. 004891

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 501 over Ca%as River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Pr 501 over Ca%as River in Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2025. The structure is 72 ft (21.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 501
CrossesCa%as River
Location2 KM North of Ponce
RouteState Highway 501
CountyPonce Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.03848, -66.64558
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating16.9 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.8 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2017)
Projected traffic9,600 by 2025
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$376,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 501 over Ca%as River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 501 over Ca%as River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Pr 501 over Ca%as River carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Pr 501 over Ca%as River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.8 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 501 over Ca%as River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.