Sandpoint-area commuters and cyclists who lost access to the Long Bridge pedestrian pathway now have a free transit option, after the Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit Authority launched a dedicated shuttle service across the span on June 12, 2026.
The new route was created in direct response to the Idaho Transportation Department’s June 5 closure of the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, which was shut down indefinitely after inspectors discovered significant structural deterioration. Engineers found that girder supports beneath a single pier had deteriorated to the point where that section was rated at zero percent load bearing capacity — prompting ITD to close the non-motorized path with no set reopening date.
Route Details and Schedule
The shuttle connects two stops on either end of the Lake Pend Oreille crossing. The southern stop is located at the former Long Bridge Grill parking lot at 471600 U.S. 95 in Sagle, while the northern stop is at the Selkirk Loop Welcome Center at 213 E. Superior St. in Sandpoint. Buses depart from both locations every 30 minutes.
On weekdays, service begins with a first southbound pickup at 7:30 a.m., followed by a second run at 10 a.m. to accommodate morning commuters. Seven days a week, continuous service runs from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. All SPOT vehicles are ADA accessible, and each can carry a limited number of bicycles per trip — an important detail given that cyclists were among the most directly affected by the pedestrian path closure.
There is no fare to ride. SPOT Executive Director Donna Griffin said the agency’s priority is keeping pedestrians off the vehicle travel lanes. “Our goal is to make this service as convenient as possible to prevent people crossing with traffic on the vehicle side of the bridge,” Griffin said in a public statement.
A Bridge with Deep Local History
The pedestrian pathway that ITD closed has been a fixture of North Idaho life for decades. The bridge itself was constructed in 1956, and the walkway was converted to non-motorized use in 1981 — meaning generations of Sandpoint-area residents have used it for commuting, recreation, and daily travel across Lake Pend Oreille.
The abrupt closure caught many regular users off guard. ITD District Engineer Ryan Hawkins acknowledged the disruption in a public statement, saying the agency understands the pathway has become essential for many residents. “We recognize that the closure of the pedestrian path has created challenges for many people who rely on the bridge to get to their daily destinations,” Hawkins said.
With structural damage classified as severe enough to eliminate load-bearing capacity entirely at the affected pier, ITD has offered no timeline for repairs or reopening of the pedestrian section. That uncertainty is what prompted SPOT to move quickly with the new crossing service.
What Comes Next
For now, the SPOT shuttle represents the only dedicated non-motorized crossing option across the Long Bridge. Residents who previously walked or biked the span for work, school, or recreation along the Highway 95 corridor are encouraged to use the free service rather than attempt to cross on the vehicle travel lanes.
SPOT has not announced how long the route will remain in service, and that timeline will likely depend on how quickly ITD can assess and address the structural damage on the pedestrian pathway. Given that inspectors found the deterioration serious enough to warrant an immediate closure and a zero-load-bearing recommendation, repairs could take considerable time and funding to complete.
Those with questions about pickup times, bicycle accommodations, or ADA accessibility can contact SPOT directly. The agency operates transit service across Bonner County and surrounding areas, connecting communities throughout the North Idaho Panhandle.
For additional Bonner County community news, including recent recognition of longtime local residents, see the story on Lifelong Bonner County Resident Rebecca Hawkins being honored with a Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award.