“Para ordenar al Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas y a la Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación, a culminar la realización de la segunda y tercera fase de la carretera PR-9, que conectaría eventualmente a las carreteras PR-10, PR-123, PR-132 y la Avenida Baramaya en jurisdicción del municipio de Ponce; y a realizar las gestiones necesarias para lograr cualquier asignación de fondos que puedan ser de aplicación bajo programas federales.”

2025-2028 Session

Directs DTPW and HTA to complete PR-9 phases 2 and 3 to create a corridor linking PR-9 with PR-10, PR-123, PR-132, and Baramaya Ave in Ponce, while securing federal funding.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Bill Information

Bill: RCS 142

Session: 2025-2028

Jurisdiction: Puerto Rico

Official Title (translated): To order the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) and the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) to complete the second and third phases of Highway PR-9, which would eventually connect to PR-10, PR-123, PR-132, and Baramaya Avenue in the municipality of Ponce; and to undertake the necessary actions to secure any funding allocations that may be applicable under federal programs.

Action History:

2026-02-17: Filed (Radicado)
2026-02-17: Appears in First Reading (Primera Lectura) of the Senate
2026-02-17: Referred to Committee(s)

Purpose and Intent

The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) and the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) to advance and complete the second and third phases of the PR-9 roadway.

The ultimate objective is to establish a continuous transportation corridor that would connect PR-9 with several other major routes: PR-10, PR-123, PR-132, and Baramaya Avenue, within the municipality of Ponce.

It also requires efforts to identify and secure federal funding or other applicable sources to finance the project, leveraging federal programs as available.

Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by the title)

Mandate for completion of PR-9 phases: The bill compels the responsible agencies (DTPW and HTA) to finalize the second and third phases of PR-9, which are part of a larger corridor development plan.

Connectivity objective: The completed phases are intended to create a linkage to surrounding major routes (PR-10, PR-123, PR-132) and Baramaya Avenue in Ponce, enhancing regional accessibility and mobility.

Funding and financing: The bill obligates or authorizes actions to pursue and secure federal or other funding sources for the project, potentially expediting construction timelines through external funds.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Government Agencies: Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) and the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) would be responsible for planning, permitting, construction oversight, and coordination with federal programs.

Jurisdiction: Municipality of Ponce would experience enhanced connectivity and potential economic and transportation benefits from improved corridor integration.

Public/Residents and Businesses: Expected improvements in traffic flow, regional accessibility, and potential economic development opportunities along and near the PR-9 corridor.

Fiscal Implications: The bill emphasizes pursuing federal funds and other applicable financing, which could influence budget allocations and grant applications for the project.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Filed and referred to Senate committees on 2026-02-17, with appearance in First Reading the same day.

Next steps: Committee reviews, public hearings, and potential amendments before moving to a full Senate vote. If approved, the bill would proceed to cross-branch processes as applicable in Puerto Rico’s legislative procedure.

Notes for Readers

The summary reflects the bill’s stated aim to advance PR-9 phases and pursue federal funding, but detailed project specifications (design standards, exact segment boundaries for phases 2 and 3, cost estimates, and funding amounts) are not provided in the available information. Readers seeking deeper understanding should monitor committee reports and fiscal analyses as the bill progresses.

Bill