US Bridges

Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek

Fair

Vega Baja Municipio, Puerto Rico · 7 KM S W of Vega Baja · Structure no. 018951

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek in Vega Baja Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2025. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 645
CrossesHicotea Creek
Location7 KM S W of Vega Baja
RouteState Highway 645
CountyVega Baja Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.38976, -66.41451
Functional classRural 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 inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2017)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2025
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$383,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 645 over Hicotea 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 645 over Hicotea Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.