The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) was awarded $74 million in competitive grant funds for the Hawaiʻi Belt Road Bridges Rehabilitation Project, which will fund the rehabilitation of the Nānue and Hakalau stream bridges on Route 19.

The grant award is through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program, which is a competitive funding opportunity for states, local government, and other agencies with transportation or land management responsibilities.

HDOT has been making repairs to several steel trestle bridges along the Hāmākua Coast, including the Kolekole Stream Bridge, Hakalau Stream Bridge, and Nānue Stream Bridge. The rehabilitation of the Nānue and Hakalau stream bridges, which includes replacement of the underlying bridge substructure and environmental remediation, is a priority for HDOT as the only alternative route between the east and west sides of the island would be an over 200-mile detour.

The total estimated cost of the rehabilitation of the Nānue and Hakalau stream bridges is $124 million.

Details on the scope and schedule for each bridge are:

• Nānue Stream Bridge – Complete rehabilitation and painting. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025. Estimated cost is $43 million.
• Hakalau Stream Bridge – Foundation replacement for scour, replacement or rehabilitation of columns and trusses, deck rehabilitation, and painting. Construction is anticipated to begin mid-2025. Estimated cost is $81 million.