Umauma bridge reopens

The Umauma bridge near Hakalau reopened Thursday morning with traffic alternating between Hilo- and Hamakua-bound directions.

The bridge on Mamalahoa Highway is undergoing a $30.8 million rehabilitation.

A temporary single-lane span installed next to the bridge to keep traffic flowing during construction was closed a week ago as a “precaution” due to heavy stream flow in the gulch below, a state Department of Transportation spokesman said.

On Wednesday, workers reinforced the foundation, allowing the temporary bridge to reopen.

A detour had followed Old Mamalahoa Highway.