US Bridges

Pr 149 over Achiote Creek

FairPosted for load

Villalba Municipio, Puerto Rico · 1.5 KM North of Villalba · Structure no. 003121

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 149 over Achiote Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pr 149 over Achiote Creek in Villalba Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2025. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 149
CrossesAchiote Creek
Location1.5 KM North of Villalba
RouteState Highway 149
CountyVillalba Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.13386, -66.49665
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2017)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$406,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 149 over Achiote Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 149 over Achiote 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 2023.

How much traffic does Pr 149 over Achiote Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pr 149 over Achiote Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 149 over Achiote Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.