Posted on May 4, 2026
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Caribbean District, has awarded a $1.078 billion construction contract to Ferrovial Construcción PR, LLC, a subsidiary of the Ferrovial S.A. Group, Caribbean District Commander Col. Charles L. Decker announced today.
This award is the largest Corps of Engineers Civil Works contract in Puerto Rico’s history and one of the most significant single‑contract investments across the USACE enterprise.
The investment will widen and deepen the most critical section of the existing channelized Río Piedras, improving conveyance capacity and reducing flood risk to life and property for surrounding neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and transportation corridors.
“For years, our expert team of engineers, scientists, hydrologists, environmental specialists, and program professionals has been dedicated to bringing this milestone to life. It’s with great pride — con mucho orgullo — that we deliver this segment and finally realize the benefits we’ve worked toward. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for every member of the team who contributed, and we look forward to seeing the full effort come together,” said Jose Bilbao, program manager for the RPN initiative.
“This contract represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to reduce flood risk for the people of San Juan,” said Col. Charles L. Decker, Caribbean District commander. “The Río Puerto Nuevo Project is a generational investment in public safety and resilience. Contract 3 will enhance the river’s capacity, protect critical infrastructure, and support long‑term economic stability for the surrounding communities.”
“Throughout every stage of construction, we remain committed to maintaining a robust and transparent partnership with our neighbors, ensuring that community voices are heard and project impacts are proactively managed,” Decker added.
Project Scope
Contract 3 covers channel improvements along the Río Piedras beginning at the José de Diego Bridge, crossing the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge, and ending near Luis Muñoz Marín Park. The work includes:
- Construction of two drilled‑shaft floodwalls, each approximately 5,200 feet long
- Wall heights ranging from 24 to 31 feet, tied together with a reinforced cap beam
- Widening and deepening of the existing channel
- Dredging to required depth
- Temporary sheet piling to maintain safe flow during construction
- A tie‑in structure at the Josefina Confluence
- Upstream and downstream transition structures
- Relocation of sanitary sewer, water, and electrical utilities
- Installation of new stormwater inlets to improve drainage into the channel
Regional Benefits
The segment of the Río Puerto Nuevo Project provides substantial long‑term economic and public‑safety benefits, including:
- $126 million in average annual savings from avoided flood damages
- 10,453 total jobs supported, including:
- 8,248 direct jobs through construction and related investment
- 2,205 indirect jobs supported by local business activity
- tens of millions in municipal tax revenue
“This investment enhances public safety, strengthens economic vitality, and supports reinvestment in communities vulnerable to flooding across San Juan,” said Decker. “Nearly 98 percent of the damages this work prevents would otherwise fall on homes, schools, and local businesses. Contract 3 represents a critical step toward long‑term resilience and protection for the communities along the Río Piedras.”
For more information or project updates, visit the Rio Puerto Nuevo Project website at: https://www.saa.usace.army.mil/Rio-Puerto-Nuevo/.
