Kolekole Bridge Weight Restriction Set to Lift

The temporary weight restriction on a North Hilo bridge will lift today.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation restricted weight on Kolekole Bridge on Hawaiʻi Belt Road to 12 tons for emergency repairs. The restriction officially lifts today at noon. The unposted limit for bridges on the state highway system is 40 tons.

The emergency work included welding steel supports and members, and installation of new end terminals. Future work in the form of permanent repairs and lead remediation at Kolekole/Paheehee Bridge is estimated at $65 million and slated to begin in spring 2024.

A 12-ton posting remains for Nanue Bridge at milepost 18.5. Vehicles over 12 tons such as tractor-trailers will continue to be checked for vehicle documentation to verify weight and may be turned around at either the Hamakua-bound truck turnaround in Hakalau or the Hilo-bound truck turnaround near Waikaumalo Park.

HDOT advises these vehicles to avoid Nanue Bridge until the lifting of the weight restriction for this structure is announced. Current estimate for opening to unposted traffic for Nanue Bridge is August.

Previous arrangements with Hawaiʻi County emergency response and public transit agencies for access for their vehicles remain in place.