The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced emergency repairs and a traffic pattern change for the Wailuku Bridge in Hilo. The bridge, also known as Singing Bridge, is situated on Hawai‘i Belt Road (Route 19) between Waiānuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street. An inspection conducted today revealed the necessity for immediate repairs.
Starting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, traffic heading towards Hilo on Hawai‘i Belt Road at Wailuku Bridge will be rerouted through Hau and Wainaku Streets, which are county roads. Traffic bound for Honoka‘a will still be able to cross the bridge.
The detour for Hilo-bound vehicles will remain in effect until the completion of the repairs, during which no oversized or overweight vehicle permits will be issued. HDOT anticipates finishing the emergency repairs later this week, although this schedule may change if further work is required during the repair process.
Wailuku Bridge underwent repairs in September 2019, November 2020, and April 2023. A comprehensive rehabilitation of the bridge is scheduled to start in 2027.
