The state Department of Transportation said Wednesday the weight limit and speed limit are being reduced on Wailuku Bridge in Hilo as emergency repairs are being made.
Wailuku Bridge is also known as “Singing Bridge” and is located on Hawaii Belt Road on the northern end of downtown Hilo. Bridge inspection findings show a need for repairs to the bridge.
Effective today, the weight limit for Wailuku Bridge will be 25 tons, and the speed limit over the bridge will be 10 mph. The maximum single-axle weight limit will be 5 tons.
The reduced bridge weight limits will not have any effect on passenger vehicles, which typically weigh2 tons, nor emergency vehicles and buses, which typically weigh less than 20 tons.
Tractor-trailers will be detoured through the county’s Hau and Wainaku streets. DOT is coordinating with the county Department of Public Works to ensure the detour route is accessible.
The weight limit, speed limit reduction, and detour route will remain in place until the emergency repairs are completed.
DOT currently expects the emergency repairs will take two-and-a-half weeks, but this time frame may be extended if additional work is added over the course of the repairs.
A full rehabilitation of the bridge is planned to begin in 2026.