HILO, Hawaii — The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced late Monday afternoon that both lanes of Wailuku Bridge have been reopened, according to a news release. Also known as the “Singing Bridge,” it’s located on Hawaii Belt Rd. (Route 19) in Hilo between Waianuenue Ave. and Pukihae St.

Crews had been doing emergency work since April 20 when they discovered additional degradation requiring an emergency lane closure and contra-flow of traffic. Work on the new repairs was estimated to finish at the end of May, but finished ahead of schedule.

According to HDOT, the bridge is still posted for 25-ton loading with a maximum single-axel weight limit of five tons. Passenger vehicles, emergency vehicles and buses can still use the bridge with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour.

Tractor-trailers are still being detoured through Hau and Wainaku streets.

The full bridge rehabilitation project is estimated to be completed in the fall of 2026.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.