MEDIA RELEASE
State Highways reports that Umauma Bridge will be closed to all traffic effective at 7:30 p.m. this evening (Nov 12) and remain closed until further notice. A detour will be in place for all vehicles through the old Mamalahoa Highway. Motorists are advised to drive carefully and anticipate delays.
The closure will last through Friday (Nov 13) and motorists will have to detour through the Old Mamalahoa Highway mauka of the main highway.
UPDATED (8:45 a.m. on 11/13/2015)
This is a Road Closure information update for Friday November 13th at 8:45 a.m.
The State Highways Department reports that the Umauma Bridge on Highway 19 in the area of the 16 to 17 mile marks in Hamakua is closed to all traffic. A detour has been set up through the Old Mamalahoa Highway and motorists are advised to drive with caution and to expect traffic delays.
Presently delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected and if possible alternate routes should be used. It is unknown at this time when the bridge will be reopened.
Of course, in keeping with our nanny government tradition, no explanation for the closure is given. Would you be surprised if they come out and say “at this time we don’t know why the bridge was closed” ?
Thank you for taking care of us.