Ferrovial has been awarded a contract worth approximately $1.08bn by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expand and reinforce a section of the Río Piedras channel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The company, active in infrastructure development, will widen the waterway as part of the ongoing Puerto Nuevo flood control initiative. The project involves enlarging the channel from 80ft to more than 160ft in width.
According to Ferrovial, these works are intended to mitigate flood risks for neighbourhoods, commercial properties and critical infrastructure across the local community.
Ferrovial’s contract is its second with the USACE under the Puerto Nuevo programme, which is estimated to span about six years and is expected to create over 10,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Planned works include deep-set concrete pile walls reaching over 100ft below the surface to reinforce the canal. The piles, manufactured on-site, will be joined by reinforced concrete beams.
In certain sections, a double-wall approach will be applied to enhance structural support and safety. These measures aim to prevent erosion and reduce the likelihood of landslides, an issue relevant due to the canal’s proximity to populated areas.
Additional enhancements will focus on improving water flow, limiting sediment accumulation, and bolstering resilience to intense rainfall events.
Ferrovial Construction CEO Ignacio Gaston said: “We are proud to continue working with the US 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.
“Expanding the Río Piedras channel will help safeguard neighbourhoods, businesses and essential services for years to come.”
This contract forms part of the wider Puerto Nuevo flood control scheme, which aims to improve protection for San Juan and surrounding communities.
Last month, Ferrovial was selected by the Texas Department of Transportation for a project valued at approximately $1.47bn to handle the design, construction and maintenance of Segment B-1 of the SH 99 Grand Parkway in Houston, Texas.
