DOT Reminds Public of Posted Weight Limit For Kolekole, Nanue Bridges

Emergency repairs continue to two bridges on Hawai‘i Belt Road (Highway 19) north of Hilo and the state Department of Transportation is reminding motorists of the weight limit placed on them during construction.

According to a news release from the DOT, the Kolekole and Nanue bridges continue to have a temporary 12-ton posted weight limit. The weight limit for the bridges was established out of an abundance of caution.

“We are working to keep our communities and commerce moving, but must protect the continuity of the system and health and safety of the community,” the DOT news release said.

The weight restriction has no effect on regular passenger vehicles, but can impact emergency vehicles, buses and tractor-trailers.

The DOT coordinated with Hawai’i County emergency response and public transit agencies on access to these areas for their vehicles. Tractor-trailer drivers must have weight information available that accurately represents their load, or they might not be allowed access to the bridges.

The DOT will continue to verify vehicle documentation to ensure vehicles can safely cross the two bridges without compromising their structural integrity.

According to the release, further repairs that will return the bridges to unposted loads are as follows:

Kolekole Emergency Repair

• Estimated opening to all traffic: June 2022
• Estimated construction cost: $8 million

Nanue Emergency Repair

• Estimated opening to all traffic: May 2022
• Estimated construction cost: $ 350,000

The DOT will continue to update the public on the status of the repairs through news releases and social media. To sign up for DOT releases, click here.