The Sandpoint Long Bridge
by Bob Gunter
On 26 May 1908 the
first pilings for the first bridge connecting Sagle,
Idaho with Sandpoint, Idaho were driven. When
completed the bridge was supported by 1,540 pilings
and covered a distance of almost two miles. Near the
center was a steel lift which allowed the steam boat
traffic to pass underneath. After numerous problems
the bridge was completed and ready for use on March
11, 1910 and was advertised as the longest wooden
bridge in the world. When completed the bridge was
about 200 feet short of two miles long. It served
the area for many years until in the 1930's it was
torn down to make room for a new wooden bridge.
It was during
the great depression that the second bridge over the
Pend Oreille River was constructed. It was built
with help from the WPA (Works Progress
Administration) and was dedicated on March 3, 1934.
The bridge retained the name of "The longest
wooden bridge in the world" and for many years
tourists, hunters, fishermen, and people who came to
the area just to see the bridge used it. Unlike the
first bridge, whose planks were placed long-ways,
the second bridge was quieter and safer.
The second bridge
served the area for about 22 years. The heavy
traffic of World War II took its toll on the
structure and in June of 1956 the third bridge was
built. It could no longer be called "The
longest wooden bridge in the world" because it
was built of steel and concrete. The span is also
partly fill and partly bridge.

The second Long Bridge in Sandpoint. It was dedicated in 1936 and advertised as the longest wooden bridge in the world, two miles long. The first bridge can be seen on the right.
Click photo to enlarge
The fourth and final
"Long Bridge" was dedicated on September
23, 1981 and it runs along side the previous span.
Today the third bridge is used as a walking-bike
path and is widely used by locals and tourist alike.
The third and fourth bridges were located where they
are today but the first two bridges connected
directly with 1st Avenue.
The bridge over the
Pend Oreille River still has a magic effect on
anyone who lives in the area. After a trip, even as
short as one to Spokane, the sight of the bridge and
surrounding area, on returning home, has a calming
effect. As the tires go from section to section of
the bridge one can hear a rhythmic sound that seems
to say, "Back home - Back Home -Back
Home."
All photographs have been used with permission of the Bonner County Museum.
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