The PR-181 Bridge is a 580-m (1902-ft)-long twin box girder with maximum span lengths of 50 m (164 ft), a total superstructure width of 21.8 m (71.5 ft), and a constant depth of 3.75 m (12.3 ft). The twin precast segmental box girders are supported by a central pier at five locations, with a transversely post-tensioned diaphragm. The cast-in-place piers are supported on steel pile foundations.
The bridge was erected in balanced cantilever with a crane on the ground. Balanced cantilever construction was also used at expansion joint piers, using temporary post-tensioning cables and blocking to eliminate falsework. The temporary tendons were released after establishing continuity in the spans adjacent to the expansion joints.
Owners: Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works
Contractor: Las Piedras Construction
Bridge Design Consultant: International Bridge Technologies, Inc.