US Bridges

Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana

Fair

Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico · 3KMS East of Ponce · Structure no. 024891

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
368 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana in Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 16,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,400 by 2025. The structure is 368 ft (112.3 m) long and 138 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesPr 10 KM 3.8
CrossesRio Bucana
Location3KMS East of Ponce
RouteState Highway 10
CountyPonce Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.03381, -66.58354
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.6 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length368 ft (112.3 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.5 m)
Deck width138 ft (42.1 m)
Roadway width121 ft (36.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,000 (2017)
Projected traffic22,400 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$16.6 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana 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 2024.

How much traffic does Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana carry?

About 16,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana?

The structure is 368 ft (112.3 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.5 m) and a deck 138 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 10 KM 3.8 over Rio Bucana?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.