Transforming Puerto Rico’s Transportation Landscape Through Pioneering Engineering Solutions
On May 10th, the CIAPR Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico hosted its highly anticipated annual event, Mega Viernes Civil, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Widely recognized as the premier educational gathering for the Instituto de Ingenieros Civiles del CIAPR, Mega Viernes Civil brought together approximately 1,600 industry professionals, including leading academics, private sector experts, and government officials, to collaborate, learn, and advance the future of civil engineering in Puerto Rico.
A highlight of the event was the Transportation Module, where CSA Group’s Vice President of Transportation, Ariel Perez, PE, ME, joined distinguished colleagues Dr. Sergio González, PE, PhD, and Eng. Miguel Pellot, PE, to present on the Implementation of Peak Hour Congestion Management Initiatives at PR-52, Juana Díaz to Ponce. This groundbreaking project was commissioned by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority (PRHTA), and CSA was entrusted with designing the infrastructure improvements crucial to enhancing mobility along this vital corridor.
Ariel Perez’s presentation offered an in-depth look at the civil engineering strategies deployed to optimize operational performance on PR-52. Among the key innovations was the introduction of part-time expressway shoulder use—a first for Puerto Rico. This novel approach allows for the dynamic utilization of roadway shoulders during morning peak hours, effectively increasing traffic flow capacity and reducing congestion for commuters traveling between Juana Díaz and Ponce.
The results speak volumes: the PR-52 project delivered a construction cost of $11.1 million and achieved a remarkable Benefit Cost Ratio of 7.1, a figure that underscores the project’s exceptional value in terms of both economic efficiency and positive impact on transportation infrastructure. Such outcomes highlight the importance of forward-thinking engineering and data-driven solutions in addressing the complex challenges facing Puerto Rico’s transportation network.
CSA Group congratulates Ariel Perez, Dr. Sergio González, and Eng. Miguel Pellot for their exceptional presentation and the successful completion of this transformative project. Their work exemplifies CSA’s steadfast dedication to leading the transportation sector with innovative and sustainable solutions that make a meaningful difference in our communities.
As CSA continues to set the standard in civil engineering excellence, the company remains committed to driving positive change, enhancing mobility, and fostering resilience throughout Puerto Rico and beyond. CSA looks forward to building upon the success of the PR-52 Congestion Management initiatives, delivering future-ready solutions that support economic growth and improve quality of life for all.
