The capital will invest $79 million in six infrastructure projects to renovate the Río Piedras CDT, Estadio Hiram Bithorn, Parque Central, avenida Gándara and others.
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If you follow sports and cycling, these announcements will interest you. The mayor of San Juan, Miguel Romero, announced Wednesday an investment of $79.5 million in six infrastructure projects, including the creation of new sports courts at Parque Central de San Juan Dr. Hernán Padilla and new bike lanes as part of the renovation and repaving of avenida Gándara in Río Piedras.
The other four projects include additional repairs at Estadio Hiram Bithorn, sidewalk improvements in Condado, the renovation of the Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT) in Río Piedras, and the restoration of Plaza de Hostos in Old San Juan.
"We committed to achieving, in this four-year term that is beginning, the promotion of roughly $500 million in infrastructure projects. At the start of 2025, we are already moving forward with about $79 million… About 60% ($47.9 million) of the funds are municipal funds from the Municipality of San Juan."
Miguel Romero, mayor of San Juan
Here is a summary of the improvements, the investment and the estimated timeline for each project. Most of them could begin construction as early as March and were funded with municipal and federal funds.
Parque Central already had several reconstruction projects underway, including repairs to El Natatorio, the parking area and the ticket office. In this second phase of expansion and modernization, the focus is on sports and recreational spaces. The following will be created:
8 new sand courts for volleyball and beach tennis
4 new padel tennis courts
6 new pickleball courts
In addition, the racquetball, tennis and soccer courts will be remodeled, additional parking areas and pergola-lined paths will be rebuilt, and the children's playground will be renovated.
The idea is for the public to continue having access to remodeled or new spaces as construction is completed, so the park remains open. The new facilities would carry additional fees, but they will be lower than those at private facilities, and a mobile app could be created to make it easier to reserve and pay for courts.
The renovation and repaving of avenida Gándara, which runs from avenida Ponce de León to avenida Barbosa alongside the Río Piedras campus of the Universidad de Puerto Rico, aims to improve road safety and pedestrian accessibility. It also meets smart city standards, Romero said, which include infrastructure, technology and intelligent mobility.
The improvements include:
A dedicated bike lane and infrastructure for parking bicycles
New pavement and sidewalks with improved accessibility
Installation of speed bumps and pedestrian crossings
Installation of smart posts (smart posts), which allow for the inclusion of a Wi-Fi system and security cameras
Improvements to street furniture and bus stops
Placement of a gallito at one point along the road, a reference to the UPR-RP mascot
Tree planting and green areas
With the goal of expanding the health services offered at the Río Piedras CDT, which sees the most patients, improvements will be made to the basement and first floor, along with a full renovation of the second and third floors, affecting a total of 43,697 square feet. The CDT will continue offering services while the work is carried out, and the following services, which had not been available at the facility since 2015, are expected to return:
Pharmacy
Obstetrics and gynecology
Ophthalmology
Dental health
Luz y vida clinic (HIV patients)
Mental health
Pediatrics and vaccination
Administration, finance and medical records
These projects are only some of those planned for the Río Piedras area, where improvements to Paseo de Diego are also expected and will be announced soon. Together with improvements to the public car terminal and Plaza del Mercado, the projects are part of an investment of more than $80 million in this area, the mayor said.
Estadio Hiram Bithorn has already undergone several renovations to the playing field and to more than 15,000 seats. This round of investment is aimed at expanding the stadium's capacity from 20,000 to 25,000 spectators and will include:
Renovation of public restrooms to increase their number by 50%
Renovation of locker rooms for athletes and performers
Modernization of the box office area
Improvements to signage to make access and movement within the stadium easier
Repairs to gondolas to improve the safety and functionality of the structures
This is the second phase of improvements in the Condado area and is intended to rehabilitate Avenida Ashford. The project will be carried out in three zones, from the Dos Hermanos bridge to Kings Court street, and includes:
Demolition and reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs and accessibility ramps in concrete for greater durability
Modernization of bus stops
Installation of smart posts (smart posts), which allow for the inclusion of a Wi-Fi system and security cameras
Improvements to urban street furniture
This plaza, located in front of Banco Popular at the start of Paseo de la Princesa, was heavily damaged by hurricanes Irma and María. It is an area that has historically had spaces for artisans and domino tables. The improvements aim to:
Renovate the electrical infrastructure and lampposts
Replace the pavement and urban street furniture
Rebuild the pergolas and shaded areas for artisans and visitors
Replant the tree in the southern area, which was lost during Hurricane María
Replace planters
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
