US Bridges

Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River

Fair

Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico · 3 KM S E of Ponce City · Structure no. 018921

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
476 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
39,800
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River in Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 39,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,700 by 2025. The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long and 117 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 14 Malecon Ave.
CrossesPortugues River
Location3 KM S E of Ponce City
RouteState Highway 12
CountyPonce Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates17.99871, -66.60552
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length476 ft (145.1 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width117 ft (35.8 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,800 (2017)
Projected traffic55,700 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$364,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River carry?

About 39,800 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River?

The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 117 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 14 Malecon Ave. over Portugues River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.