Bridge repair work to cause delays in Hilo

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A stretch of the Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed this week while crews make repairs on the Singing Bridge.

A stretch of the Bayfront Highway in Hilo is closed this week while crews make repairs on the 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. until 3 p.m. each day until Saturday. The road will close again on Tuesday, Jan. 19-23.

During construction, traffic is detoured onto Kamehameha Avenue and Wailuku Drive, Tim Sakahara, spokesman for the Hawaii 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 both the inbound and the outbound ends of the bridge, also known as Wailuku Bridge. Work is estimated to take about two weeks, weather permitting.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense issued a message early Tuesday to help get the word out about the closure, said Darryl Oliveira, administrator of Hawaii County Civil Defense.

During the closure, drivers should expect delays and take alternative routes if possible, the department said.