The Idaho Transportation Department has closed the pedestrian Long Bridge over Lake Pend Oreille to all public access, effective June 5, after an inspection uncovered serious deterioration in key structural components. Barricades and signage now block entry at both the north and south ends of the span, which has served Sandpoint residents and visitors for seven decades.
The closure followed an inspection on June 4 in which engineers found that girders at a single pier had been compromised to the point that inspectors recommended the structure be rated at zero percent load-bearing capacity. Additional deterioration was identified at the ends of concrete beams beneath the bridge deck. While initial access restrictions were put in place on May 7 based on findings consistent with normal wear, ITD spokesperson Heather McDaniel acknowledged that the situation proved to be far more serious than expected, saying “the structural issues ended up being much more significant than we had anticipated upon closer investigation.”
A Structure With Deep Roots in Sandpoint’s History
The pedestrian bridge was originally constructed in 1956 and carried motor vehicle traffic before being converted exclusively to non-motorized use in 1981. For more than four decades, cyclists, walkers, and commuters have relied on it as a direct connection across Lake Pend Oreille. ITD District Engineer Ryan Hawkins acknowledged the bridge’s significance to the community, noting that for many residents, the structure represents more than a simple transportation link.
The closure does not affect vehicle traffic on the adjacent U.S. Highway 95 bridge, which continues to operate normally. Bicyclists seeking to cross Lake Pend Oreille may use the vehicle bridge, though ITD advises against this option due to safety concerns associated with mixed bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.
Emergency Transit Route Approved, Repairs Under Study
The closure has already prompted action from local transit officials. The Sandpoint-area SPOT bus board convened an emergency meeting on June 9 and voted to approve a new route with stops at both the north and south ends of the bridge, providing an alternative for commuters and others who depend on the crossing.
On the engineering side, crews are working on a short-term repair plan that would involve installing brackets or bracing to restore some degree of load support to the compromised pier. However, the timeline and scope of that work have not been finalized, and the bridge will remain closed on an indefinite basis until a solution is in place.
Looking further ahead, ITD has stated it is working toward a replacement plan for both bridges that cross Lake Pend Oreille. That project, however, faces a significant obstacle: funding for both the design phase and construction has not yet been secured, meaning a permanent resolution could remain years away. The lack of dedicated funding underscores the broader challenge facing aging transportation infrastructure across North Idaho and the state.
What Comes Next
ITD has not provided a specific timeline for reopening the pedestrian Long Bridge, citing the need for further engineering analysis before any repair work can begin. Residents and users seeking updates can contact ITD at 208-772-1200 during business hours or by email at [email protected].
In the meantime, the SPOT bus route approved at the June 9 emergency meeting represents the primary alternative for those who relied on the pedestrian span for daily crossings. ITD has encouraged the public to monitor official communications for progress on both the near-term repair effort and the longer-term replacement planning process.
The indefinite closure highlights the condition of infrastructure built in the post-war era across the region. For more on public safety developments affecting North Idaho communities, visit our coverage of Idaho’s effort to honor officers who have served and sacrificed in the line of duty.