The Hilo-bound lane of Kolekole Bridge on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) is closed between now and 3:30 p.m. for emergency repairs, according to the state Department of Transportation.
During work hours Hilo-bound traffic will be allowed over Kolekole Bridge by contraflow in the Honokaa-bound lane.
Flaggers will direct traffic and electronic signs have been placed to alert motorists to the closure.
The allowable combined weight of vehicle and load on Kolekole Bridge is currently four tons. The emergency repairs will consist of welding of two of the steel trusses of the bridge to support raising the weight restriction to 12 tons, which will accommodate most emergency and transit vehicles.
Ambulances are allowed over the bridge.
The timeline for the longer-term repairs is 3-4 months pending availability of materials.