SANDPOINT, Idaho – The Long Bridge in Sandpoint will see nighttime lane closures for about six weeks, according to the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The project will focus on addressing joints and improving winter maintenance operations.
The overnight work will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. During those times, the department wrote that drivers should expect lane closures on portions of the bridge, flagging operations for work zones, a rolling schedule keeping workers on for 10 days and off for 4 days and a small limitation for some oversized loads.
Cars with oversized loads should check Idaho 511 for limitations.
Project Manager Preston Sochovka said that the shortened portions of closure on the bridge and the alternating rolling schedule was meant to help reduce traffic disruptions.
“After a few seasons of working on the Long Bridge, we’ve learned a lot about what works for traffic control,” Sochovka said. “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.”
Idaho Transportation Department also wrote about coordinating with the Lake Pend Oreille School District to push back construction on varsity game nights so that families can make it to the game on time.
“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,” they wrote.
The department said the project was necessary to address issues discovered after last year’s overlay work that raised joint edges and created problems for snowplows.
The department said that they know that doing a third year of construction is frustrating.
“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.”
