US Army Corps of Engineers
USACE Caribbean District (SAA) Website

RPN Hero

RÍO PUERTO NUEVO

Quebrada Margarita

 
 
Design
Construction Start
Construction End

Quebrada Margarita

Design & Construction Contract No. 1

98%
Fall 2027
Late 2031

Located in the Matadero industrial area of Guaynabo, the work completed during this phase will connect the upper Quebrada Margarita to the completed portion of the project immediately downstream of the de Diego Expressway. Currently, the channel is too narrow and shallow and easily becomes clogged with debris. This means that rainstorms quickly fill the channel and floods into nearby parking lots and buildings.

Project Information

During significant storms, roads and buildings near Quebrada Margarita are flooded, resulting in significant traffic impacts and damages.
After construction, the channel will be deepened and widened to improve channel capacity and efficiently convey water downstream.
Quebrada Margarita is a very narrow channel between the Matadero industrial area and the de Diego Expressway.
As part of the construction sequencing, electrical transmission and distribution lines will be relocated and updated per the latest engineering standards.
Aerial view of the existing channel of the Quebrada Margarita as it flows through the Matadero.

Upper Margarita Channel

Design & Construction Contract No. 1

Construction will deepen and widen the channel. New reinforced concrete walls and a smooth concrete channel bottom will be built. The new channel will allow for rainwater and stormwater to efficiently pass through the area and out into the lower portion of Quebrada Margarita, the Río Puerto Nuevo, and the San Juan Bay.

Additionally, major electrical upgrades will be made to improve service reliability and reduce the risk of outages during storms and flooding. LUMA's 115kV transmission line will be relocated from the south to the north side of the channel, while existing overhead 38kV lines on the south side will be placed underground to reduce vulnerability to storms. Upgrading the utilities will enhance their resiliency to floods and wind, and will provide continuity of vital services ( water, wastewater, and electricity) to homes and businesses during flood events.

Construction Information

Construction information will be released after the project is awarded to a contractor in Fall 2027.
Last Updated: July 2025