Emergency repairs to Wailuku Bridge in Hilo begin April 20; weight, speed reduced

Due to needed emergency repairs on Wailuku Bridge in Hilo, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has reduced the weight limit and speed limit, effective April 20.

Wailuku Bridge, also known as “Singing Bridge,” is located on Hawai‘i Belt Road (Route 19) between Wai‘ānuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street.

Bridge inspection findings on April 19 showed a need for immediate repairs to the bridge.

The weight limit will be reduced to 25 tons and the speed limit over the bridge will now be 10 mph. The maximum single-axle weight limit will be five tons.

The reduced bridge weight limits will not have any effect on passenger vehicles, which typically weigh two tons, or emergency vehicles and buses, which typically weigh less than 20 tons.

Tractor-trailers will be detoured through the county’s Hau and Wainaku Streets. The state Department of Transportation is coordinating with the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works to ensure the detour route is accessible.

The weight limit, speed limit reduction and detour route will remain in place until the emergency repairs are completed. The expected timeline is 2 1/2 weeks, but it may take longer if additional work is added over the course of the repairs.

The state made repairs to Wailuku Bridge in September 2019 and November 2020. A full rehabilitation of the bridge is planned to begin in 2026.