The pedestrian and bicycle path along Sandpoint’s Long Bridge is expected to reopen by late next week following emergency stabilization work prompted by the discovery of significant structural deterioration, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Crews have installed custom-fabricated steel support brackets — referred to as “saddles” — beneath the bridge deck at critical girder locations identified during recent inspections. The work was completed quickly enough to allow the Idaho Transportation Department to restore end-to-end access during the week of July 9, 2026, though officials were careful to temper expectations about what the reopening means for the bridge’s overall condition.
Emergency Fix, Not a Full Repair
District Engineer Ryan Hawkins was direct in characterizing the situation. “This is not a return to normal,” Hawkins said in a public statement. “The bridge remains in need of additional repairs in several locations, but the emergency stabilization work we’ve completed allows us to safely reopen access while we continue ongoing evaluation, planning and work.”
A separate transportation official credited the team effort that made the rapid turnaround possible: “Closing the bridge was not a decision we took lightly and I’m incredibly proud of the engineers, inspectors, maintenance crews and the contractor who came together to find a safe solution in just a matter of weeks.”
Users returning to the bridge will face restrictions. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be required to stay within a designated travel corridor, steering clear of areas that still need attention. At first, cones, barrels, and caution tape will mark the safe path. Over time, those temporary devices will be replaced by permanent barriers to guide long-term use.
Shuttle Service Wraps Up as Bridge Returns to Service
During the closure, the Selkirks Pend Oreille Transit Authority — commonly known as SPOT — stepped in to operate a temporary shuttle route, running multiple trips daily, seven days a week, to help residents and visitors cross while the bridge was off-limits. That service will wrap up once the pedestrian path is back open.
SPOT indicated it would consider restoring the route in the future if community interest and dedicated funding emerge. Residents interested in that possibility can reach SPOT at 208-263-3774.
The timing of the reopening carries added significance. The Long Bridge Swim, one of Sandpoint’s signature summer events, is scheduled for August 1, 2026. The controlled pathway will accommodate spectators and safety personnel on the bridge during the event, giving organizers and participants access they would have lacked if the closure had extended further into summer.
Broader Transportation Planning Underway
The Long Bridge situation comes as state transportation planners are actively seeking public input on a broader set of infrastructure priorities. The Idaho Transportation Investment Program public comment period runs through July 31, 2026, giving North Idaho residents an opportunity to weigh in on how the state directs future transportation spending. Community members with concerns about aging infrastructure — including bridges like Long Bridge — are encouraged to submit comments before that deadline.
The bridge closure drew considerable attention across Bonner County, disrupting the routines of cyclists, joggers, and commuters who regularly use the path. For a community that prizes outdoor access and Lake Pend Oreille recreation, the shutdown was felt acutely. Sandpoint’s local government has been navigating several parallel challenges in recent months; the Bonner County Commission recently appointed a finance professional to the county Fair Board as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local institutional governance.
What Comes Next
The Idaho Transportation Department has made clear that the emergency stabilization is a beginning, not an endpoint. Additional inspection, planning, and repair work will continue on sections of the bridge that were not addressed in the current round of fixes. A longer-term solution to the bridge’s structural needs remains to be determined, and officials have not yet outlined a full repair timeline or cost estimate.
In the near term, the focus shifts to safely managing foot and bicycle traffic under the new controlled conditions — and ensuring the Long Bridge Swim on August 1 proceeds without a hitch. Residents are urged to follow all posted guidance and stay within the marked travel path when using the structure.