DOT Bumps Weight Limit for Vehicles on Kolekole Bridge

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has increased the allowable combined weight on Kolekole Bridge to 12 tons, or 24,000 pounds, as of Monday evening, September 20.

Combined weight represents the weight of the vehicle itself, as well as the load it carries. The bridge is located just past mile-marker 14 on Hawai´i Belt Road (Route 19).

The revised weight restriction comes after the emergency welding of two of the four steel trusses of the bridge, which were completed Monday. HDOT said the welds have been tested and signs reflecting the 12-ton weight restriction have been posted on both sides of the bridge.

Staff will be stationed at the bridge to ensure load compliance as work continues on the longer-term repairs. The timeline for those repairs is three to four months, pending availability of materials. HDOT said more updates on the work will follow as new information becomes available.

Travel restrictions were first implemented on the bridge Wednesday, September 15. At that time, only vehicles weighing four tons or less were allowed passage across the section of road, and they were mandated to travel at a reduced speed of 25 mph.

Large vehicles, such as busses and emergency vehicles, were not cleared to pass for several days. Most passenger vehicles remained under the weight limit.