US Bridges

Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River

Fair

Villalba Municipio, Puerto Rico · 9 KM N E of Villalba · Structure no. 009051

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
142 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River in Villalba Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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: open, posting recommended but not legally implemented.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2025. The structure is 142 ft (43.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 553
CrossesToa Vaca River
Location9 KM N E of Villalba
RouteState Highway 553
CountyVillalba Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.13318, -66.44388
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, posting recommended but not legally implemented
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length142 ft (43.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2017)
Projected traffic300 by 2025
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 553 over Toa Vaca 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River?

The structure is 142 ft (43.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 553 over Toa Vaca River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.