US Bridges

Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek

FairPosted for load

San Juan Municipio, Puerto Rico · 1 KM N E of Rio Piedras · Structure no. 021981

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,200
2005 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek in San Juan Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15,200 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,150 by 2025. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSicilia Street
CrossesJuan Mendez Creek
Location1 KM N E of Rio Piedras
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates18.41903, -66.04283
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,200 (2005)
Projected traffic25,150 by 2025
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$519,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek carry?

About 15,200 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Sicilia Street over Juan Mendez Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.