Vehicle weight limit reduced to 4 tons on Kolekole Bridge

The state Department of Transportation said Wednesday it has reduced the allowable weight rating for Kolekole Bridge on Hawaii Belt Road to 4 tons.

The weight reduction is in effect immediately until further notice, and signs advising of restrictions and a reduced speed limit of 25 mph over the bridge will be posted soon.

Vehicles with a combined weight (including load) over 4 tons will not be allowed to pass over the bridge.

This might affect emergency vehicles, buses, tractor trailers and passenger vehicles towing loads. DOT said it will notify county emergency response and public transit agencies.

Kolekole Bridge, a quarter mile north of the 14-mile marker, was being monitored due to bridge inspection findings.

The weight restriction and new speed limit will allow the DOT to continue to permit access to the route for most passenger vehicles, which typically weigh 2 tons.

Staff will be posted at the bridge to alert drivers about the weight limit and direct them to turnaround points at the highway’s intersections with Chin Chuck Road on the west side of the bridge, and Banyan Tree Road on the east side.

Engineers will be conducting additional analysis to see if the weight restriction can be adjusted or modified, according to the DOT.

Emergency repairs are being planned for Kolekole Bridge. The estimated timeline for repairs is between three and four months, pending availability of construction materials.