Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in mid-September 2017. The island’s infrastructure relied on bridges, roads and waterways to maintain trade. Unfortunately, most of these bridges and roads have been destroyed and are no longer passable, according to hurricane news reports. These modes of transportation also provided Puerto Ricans with access to food, water, gasoline, and cities. Hence, rebuilding efforts are the key to getting the island back on its feet.

U.S. Bridge has followed the hurricane news very closely and is eager to help the people of Puerto Rico. Lacking resources and any way to transport them to people who need them most, U.S. Bridge is determined to help Puerto Rico by rebuilding bridges to facilitate free movement of food, water, and gasoline. Parts of Puerto Rico won’t have power before late May, 8 months after hurricane Maria. About 95 percent of the island will see energy restoration by the end of March. Things are slowly getting better, however, there is still much to be done.

Unable to Navigate the Mountains

The mountains near San Juan were particularly hit hard. For example, the neighborhood of San Lorenzo has been cut off from the city due to the destruction of a bridge that allowed free passage for its residents. Residents in the area have stressed how important it is for them to be able to move freely between their homes and the city. Elderly people and the sick, for instance, no longer have access to the care they need. The only option is to ford the river in what is often waist-deep, murky water. On the other hand, they may take a path around the mountain that can add three hours to their trip; but with limited access to gasoline, this is not a viable option. Some residents have actually rigged a cable above the water to get supplies across.

Built to Last

U.S. Bridge is eager to provide relief to the people of Puerto Rico. U.S. Bridge will be using the Liberty Bridge design for four bridge projects that are contracted to construct in Puerto Rico. This bridge type is made up of prefabricated modules that are easy to transport and assemble.  Based on the hurricane news, the Liberty Bridge will offer the type of permanent and quick relief that the people of Puerto Rico need.

U.S. Bridge is providing bridge-building expertise to the people of Puerto Rico who are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Maria more than four months after it made landfall. For more information about U.S. Bridge and our team of dedicated engineers, please feel free to contact us for more information.