ITD announces pedestrian Long Bridge will close ‘indefinitely’ for safety

SPOT bus steps up with new route including stops at north and south end of the bridge

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

Weeks after the Idaho Transportation Department warned that it might close the entire pedestrian portion of the Long Bridge due to safety concerns and vandalism to traffic control devices, the state agency announced June 5 that it would do just that — restricting the public from using the bridge “indefinitely.”

According to a news release from ITD, “after recent inspection reports identified significant structural deterioration affecting critical bridge components,” it was blocking the north and south ends of the bridge to pedestrians. 

“The findings indicate there are areas on the bridge that can no longer safely accommodate public access until repairs can be made,” the department stated. “Based on recommendations from engineering and bridge safety experts, ITD is taking action to protect the public’s safety and also the ongoing structural integrity of the bridge itself.”

The closure does not affect vehicle traffic on the adjacent U.S. Highway 95 Long Bridge, but indicates the severity of needed repair work on the pedestrian span, which was built in 1956 and converted to non-motorized use in 1981.

In an email to the Reader on June 10, ITD spokesperson Heather McDaniel said “the structural issues ended up being much more significant than we had anticipated upon closer investigation.”

“Our team of inspectors and bridge engineers spent last week methodically working across the bridge and on Thursday afternoon [June 4] identified an area where all of the girder supports across a single pier were compromised and recommended for 0% load bearing, which meant that there was a section of the bridge across its entire width that was not recommended to have any weight, resulting in the full closure,” she added.

While the timeline for the closure remains unclear until engineers perform more analysis, the board of the SPOT bus held an emergency meeting on June 9 and approved adding a route to include stops at the north and south ends of the bridge, intended to retain at least some ability for non-motorists to cross.

Details are still being finalized regarding timetables and specific stop locations, but officials with both SPOT and ITD said the intention is to get the new route up and running as soon as possible, with more details shared at spotbus.org.

“While it won’t replace the experience of personally walking or biking across the bridge, it will provide an opportunity for connection for individuals and families to continue to enjoy the region and get where they need to go,” McDaniel said.

“They recognize the importance of connection for the community, both for recreation and for daily living needs, and saw an opportunity to support both ITD and the community, which has been wonderful and we are truly, truly grateful for their partnership,” she added, referring to SPOT.

Initial restrictions were put in place on May 7, with ITD pointing to “normal wear and tear” consistent with the age of the bridge. Specifically, inspectors performing a routine examination of the span found that the ends of several concrete beams below the bridge deck had deteriorated. 

Now, McDaniel said barricades and signage at each end are keeping users from accessing the bridge; and, while some bicyclists have opted to use the vehicle bridge, which is allowed under the law, ITD recommends against doing so for “obvious safety reasons.”

At the same time, crews and engineers are working to design a fix — what McDaniel said is “likely in the form of some sort of bracket or bracing that can be fabricated and installed to safely support the weight of anyone on top of the bridge.”

“Right now our goal is to figure out a way to regain at least partial opening of the pedestrian bridge — if we can address those areas where the full width of the pathway is compromised and shore them up, it would allow us to go back to that partially restricted state from last week where there were just a smattering of areas that were barricaded off but people could still get from end to end,” she told the Reader.

“We understand how important this bridge is to Sandpoint,” stated ITD District Engineer Ryan Hawkins. “For many residents, this bridge is more than a crossing. It’s part of daily life, a connection between neighborhoods, a route to work and services, and an iconic part of the community. We recognize the impact this decision will have, and it is not one we take lightly.”

Ultimately, ITD is working toward a replacement plan for both bridges that cross Lake Pend Oreille, though “design and construction remains unfunded,” the department stated.

ITD is in the process of notifying event organizers who have permits for use of the bridge, and residents who may be adversely affected by the closure are asked to contact ITD at 208-772-1200 during business hours or email McDaniel at [email protected].

“We know this bridge holds a special place in the identity of Sandpoint,” Hawkins stated. “Our responsibility is to ensure public safety, and the inspection findings make clear that action is necessary. As we move forward, we are committed to keeping the community informed and working with local partners to address impacts wherever possible.”

According to ITD, updates on access restrictions, accommodations and more will be given as engineers continue their evaluations.