Both lanes open on ‘Singing Bridge’ in Hilo, but emergency repairs continue

Both lanes of Wailuku Bridge, also known as “Singing Bridge,” in Hilo have reopened after nearly three weeks of emergency repairs, but the work is not done.

The work was initially to be completed by May 5, but with new findings of bridge degradation, the new estimated time it will be done is late May, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

The bridge — located on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 19) between Wai‘ānuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street — had one lane closed with contra-flow traffic during the first three weeks of the repairs.

The bridge still is posted for 25-ton loading, with a maximum single-axel weight limit of 5 tons. This will allow passenger vehicles, emergency vehicles, and buses to utilize the bridge, with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour.

Tractor-trailers will continue to be detoured through the county’s Hau and Wainaku Streets. The state transportation department is coordinating with the county 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 state transportation department made repairs to Wailuku Bridge in September 2019 and November 2020. These interim repairs address the safety and reliability of the structure until the full bridge rehabilitation project planned for fall 2026 is completed.