Update: Both lanes again open on Singing Bridge in Hilo on Highway 19

Update at 9:38 p.m. March 12: Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reports that Hawai‘i Department of Transportation State Highways Division says both lanes are again open on Wailuku Bridge, also known as Singing Bridge, in Hilo on Highway 19.

The makai lane of the bridge was closed and Hilo-bound traffic detoured since the afternoon of March 11 after emergency repairs were needed following an inspection earlier this week. 

Original post from 5 a.m. March 12: Motorists are advised that Hilo-bound traffic on Highway 19 at Wāiluku Bridge, also known as Singing Bridge, in Hilo will be detoured through the Hawai‘i County roadways of Hau and Wāinaku streets until further notice.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation crews are performing emergency repairs on the bridge that spans the Wāiluku River delta where it flows into Hilo Bay, between Waiānuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street.

Repairs became necessary following a bridge inspection March 12.

Honoka‘a-bound traffic is allowed to cross the bridge using the mauka, or west, lane only.

The Hilo-bound detour will remain in place and no oversized or overweight vehicle permits will be issued for the bridge until repairs are completed.

State Transportation officials expect the emergency repairs to be finished later this week, but the time frame could be extended if additional repairs are needed during the course of the work.

Repairs were last made to Wailuku Bridge in September 2019, November 2020 and April 2023.

The state plans to begin a full rehabilitation of the bridge in 2027.