Council: $6M for one-lane bridge in Hilo

The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to contribute $6 million to a project to replace a heavily used one-lane bridge in Hilo.

The 4-Mile Creek Bridge, located on Kilauea Avenue just south of Haihai Street, is a narrow and weathered bridge that is also a major artery for people traveling to and from Puna via Highway 11.

The council discussed and ultimately passed a bill Wednesday that would contribute $6 million alongside $12 million in state funding to replace the historic bridge with a two-lane bridge in order to alleviate traffic congestion.

Council members had previously praised the plan, calling it long overdue, given the bridge’s importance for commuters.