Manatí Bridge at Mata de Plátano, Road bridge in Hato Viejo, Ciales, Puerto Rico
The Manatí Bridge at Mata de Plátano is a steel road crossing over the Río Grande de Manatí in a narrow canyon with steep vertical walls. It spans about 80 meters and measures 3.8 meters wide, carrying single-lane traffic between the municipalities of Manatí and Ciales along a rural route.
Built in 1905 during the US administration period, it was the first Pratt truss bridge of its design constructed in Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American War. This early engineering structure reflects how infrastructure was developed in the region during the early 20th century.
The bridge serves as a daily route for locals connecting two municipalities and demonstrates the engineering solutions that were necessary for river crossings of that era. Its steel frame reflects the practical approach to infrastructure that shaped the region's development.
The crossing is narrow and permits only one vehicle at a time, so drivers should move slowly and watch for oncoming traffic. The location becomes slippery when wet and the setting is rural, making it wise to drive with care and monitor weather conditions.
This structure is a rare example of early steel bridge design in the Caribbean, showing construction techniques that were uncommon for the region at that time. Its preservation through substantial investment in recent years underscores its significance as a technical landmark that shaped how the area developed.
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