A stretch of the Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed this week while crews make repairs on Singing Bridge. ADVERTISING A stretch of the Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed this week while crews make repairs on Singing Bridge. The
A stretch of the Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed this week while crews make repairs on Singing Bridge.
The closure, which starts at Pauahi Street at mile-marker 2 and ends at mile-marker 4, will be in effect from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. each day through Saturday. The road will close again Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Jan. 23.
During construction, traffic is detoured onto Kamehameha Avenue and Wailuku Drive, Tim Sakahara, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said in an email.
Sakahara said the closure is necessary to ensure crews can safely access work areas. The department is replacing rusted parts on the inbound and outbound ends of the bridge, also known as Wailuku Bridge. Work is estimated to take about two weeks, weather permitting.
Hawaii County Civil Defense issued a message early Tuesday to help get the word out about the closure, said Administrator Darryl Oliveira.
“We were asked to help with messaging before the weekend and, unfortunately, there was maybe a glitch on our end getting the message out (Monday) morning,” he said. “There was no urgency or emergency, but because people seem to listen to our messages attentively, our partner agencies see value with something like this.”
During the closure, drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to take alternative routes if possible, the DOT said.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
