Following a bridge inspection on Tuesday, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced there will be a change in the traffic pattern to Wailuku Bridge in Hilo as the bridge undergoes emergency repairs throughout the rest of the week or longer if required.

Wailuku Bridge is known as the “singing bridge,” and it sits between Waianuenue Avenue and Pukihae Street on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19). Until the repairs are completed, Hilo-bound traffic on Hawaii Belt Road at Wailuku Bridge will use Hau and Wainaku streets as a detour. Honokaa-bound traffic may cross the bridge.

HDOT says they expect to finish repairs later this week, but it could take longer if additional work is needed. They repaired the bridge in 2019, 2020, and 2023. A full rehabilitation is planned to start in 2027.