Repairs to begin Thursday on Hakalau Bridge on Hawaiʻi Island’s Belt Road

The Hakalau Bridge on Hawaiʻi Island’s Belt Road, also known as Route 19, will have scheduled repairs beginning on Thursday for a four-month project, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announced.

The initial phase of the project will focus on strengthening the base of the bridge foundation.

Crews will work at the construction site weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers should expect periodic lane closures and a reduced speed limit through the work zone.

The speed limit over the bridge will be lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph around the clock until the project is completed.

But while concrete grout is being poured, the speed limit will be reduced even further to 25 mph to allow the material to cure. The Department of Transportation will issue a separate notice when that phase of the project begins.

The construction work is part of preparations for a larger rehabilitation project planned for the Hakalau Bridge. Variable message boards will be placed along Route 19 to notify drivers of closures and changes in traffic flow.

For further information or for weekly updates on lane closures, click here.