map courtesy Hawaiʻi DOT

(BIVN) – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation on Froday announced the removal of the temporary weight limit for the Kolekole Bridge on the Hāmākua coast.

The 12-ton, or 24,000 pound, posted weight limit for the Kolekole on Highway 19 in North Hilo will be lifted at noon on Friday, July 29.

The unposted limit for bridges on the state highway system is 40 tons, officials say.

The weight restriction for the Nanue Bridge to the north of the same highway will remain in place. From the Hawaiʻi DOT:

A 12-ton posting remains for Nanue Bridge at milepost 18.5. Vehicles over 12-tons such as tractor trailers will continue to be checked for vehicle documentation to verify weight and may be turned around at either the Hamakua-bound truck turnaround in Hakalau or the Hilo-bound truck turnaround near Waikaumalo Park. HDOT advises these vehicles avoid Nanue Bridge until the lifting of the weight restriction for this structure is announced. Current estimate for opening to unposted traffic for Nanue Bridge is August.

Previous arrangements with Hawaiʻi County emergency response and public transit agencies for access for their vehicles remain in place.

Additional repairs to Kolekole Bridge are scheduled for Spring 2024. Officials say the list includes the repair of the bridge deck, replacement of the bridge railing, replacement of steel substructure members, painting of the bridge, and lead remediation.