- The nearly $1.1 billion contract will expand and upgrade the Río Piedras channel, helping reduce flood risk in the Puerto Rican capital
Ferrovial, a leading global infrastructure company, has been awarded a $1,079 billion contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expand and improve a section of the Río Piedras channel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This marks Ferrovial’s second contract with USACE under the Puerto Nuevo flood control project.
“We are proud to continue working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver complex projects that will strengthen resilience, reduce flood risk, and provide long-term benefits for the local economy and community,” said Ignacio Gaston, Ferrovial Construction CEO. “Expanding the Río Piedras channel will help safeguard neighborhoods, businesses, and essential services for years to come.”
This project will widen the waterway from 80 feet to more than 160 feet, reducing flood risk in the surrounding area. The contract is part of a broader Puerto Nuevo flood control program, an initiative expected to span approximately six years and generate more than 10,000 jobs, directly and indirectly.
Ferrovial’s scope of work includes reinforcement of the canal walls using deep concrete pile structures anchored more than 100 feet below ground. The piles will be constructed on-site and connected to one another with reinforced concrete beams. Select sections will feature a double-wall system, further enhancing structural stability and safety. These improvements are designed to strengthen the riverbanks, prevent erosion, and reduce the risk of landslides, a particularly important measure given the canal’s proximity to densely populated areas of San Juan.
Additional upgrades will focus on improving water flow, minimizing sediment buildup, and increasing resilience to heavy rainfall events.
