SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is preparing for another round of construction on Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, a six-week overnight project aimed at improving safety for winter maintenance crews and drivers.
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The work, set to begin the week of Monday, Sept. 8, will focus on removing raised joint edges that have caused difficulties for snowplows during previous winters. Crews will also add a protective epoxy layer to shield the roadway from moisture.
“Drivers may not notice a big difference, but this will keep snowplows from catching on the joints and help equipment last longer,” ITD stated in a news release.
Construction will take place overnight from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., with traffic reduced to one lane across sections of 1,000 to 1,500 feet at a time. Flagging crews will alternate traffic, a move ITD hopes will minimize congestion.
Most oversized loads will be able to pass, though drivers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 for specific restrictions. The contractor will work on a 10-days-on, four-days-off schedule, which could extend lane closures into some weekend nights.
“After a few seasons of working on the Long Bridge, we’ve learned a lot about what works for traffic control,” said Project Manager Preston Sochovka. “We’re listening to the community and using those lessons to fine-tune our approach this year. We’re optimistic these changes will make it easier for drivers with shorter delays and quicker trips across the bridge.”
ITD acknowledged community frustration over continued construction on the bridge, noting this is the third consecutive year of maintenance work.
“We know it’s not easy to keep coming back,” Sochovka said. “But we’ve learned from last year, and this year’s work is about finishing strong and setting the bridge up for long-term performance.”
In an effort to accommodate local families, ITD is also coordinating with the Lake Pend Oreille School District. On nights when Sandpoint High varsity games are scheduled, work will start later so that traffic delays do not prevent fans from attending.
“While not all events can be accommodated, ITD is working with the district to find the best opportunities to lessen impacts and keep Bulldog spirit high and on time,” the department stated.
The Long Bridge is not just a critical transportation link but also a landmark in northern Idaho. Originally built in 1910 as the world’s longest wooden bridge, it has been rebuilt several times. The current structure, completed in 1981, is designed to last 100 years thanks to recent rehabilitation work.
Alongside it runs the 1956 version of the bridge, now used as a pedestrian and bicycle path after being reinforced for continued community use.
Looking ahead, ITD is studying options for a new two-lane northbound span with bike and pedestrian access, while converting the 1981 bridge into a two-lane southbound route. Initial studies began after the ITD Board allocated $200,000 in late 2024 to analyze replacement options.
“Up until now, we have been performing maintenance projects to delay replacing this expensive structure until it reached 100 years old,” District Engineer Damon Allen explained last year. “But as we’ve looked to widen U.S. 95 south of town, we’ve heard from the public that they want us to look at this sooner rather than later.”
The cost of building a new span is steep—ITD estimates at least $225 million for the northbound section alone. Federal grants are being sought to help advance design and construction.
Drivers crossing the Long Bridge during the six-week project should plan for delays, especially at night, and make use of Idaho 511 for the latest updates on lane closures and restrictions.
With improvements underway, ITD hopes this round of construction will ease the strain on winter maintenance crews while preparing the bridge for decades of continued service.
Originally reported by Ben Olson and Zach Hagadone in Sand Point Reader.
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