Spain’s Ferrovial has landed a $1.078bn contract from the Caribbean District of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to widen and deepen a segment of the Río Piedras channel in Puerto Rico to improve flood defences.

Ferrovial will make improvements across San Juan’s Río Piedras district, beginning at the José de Diego Bridge, crossing the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge and ending near Luis Muñoz Marín Park.
The scope of work includes widening and deepening the existing channel, construction of two drilled‑shaft floodwalls each 5,200ft-long, dredging, stormwater improvements and relocation of sanitary sewer, water and electrical utilities.

When completed, the project is estimated to save $126m a year in flood damages and create 8,248 direct jobs through construction and related works, plus 2,205 indirect jobs.

The contract is the largest awarded by the USACE in Puerto Rico.

Col. Charles L. Decker, USACE’s Caribbean District commander, said: “This investment enhances public safety, strengthens economic vitality, and supports reinvestment in communities vulnerable to flooding across San Juan.

“Nearly 98% of the damages this work prevents would otherwise fall on homes, schools, and local businesses.”