Long Bridges span a century across lake

March 11, 1910, was a great day for the people living in our area of North Idaho. Before that date, 100 years ago, anyone wanting to cross the river from Sand-point to the Sagle area, or vice versa, had two options open to them. They could walk across the railroad trestle, which took a lot of time and was dangerous, or they could get someone to row them across the river, also time consuming. The difficulty in getting to Sandpoint was the reason most of the ranchers over Sagle way ordered their goods from Spokane and had them dropped by train.

For years, the ranchers on the south side had looked across the water at Sandpoint and wished for a way to get their goods to the people just a short distance away. The merchants of Sandpoint also looked across the water and wished for a way to get the ranchers across the water so they could buy locally rather than mail order from Spokane.

The ranchers made the first move and petitioned Bonner County to build a ferry promising to raise some money to help with the expense. The Sandpoint merchants, who would be getting the trade of about 200 people, spoke in favor of the ferry and together they raised $10,000. The county agreed to cover any other expenses incurred.

When all the reports and plans were finished, it was estimated that a ferry would cost $18,000 but a bridge over the river would cost just $2,000 more. The commissioners decided a bridge was the way to go and voted to get started. It was estimated that it would take about six months to complete the new bridge.

On 26 May 1908, the first piling for the bridge was driven. When completed the bridge was supported by 1,540 pilings and covered a distance of almost two miles. It was advertised as the longest wooden bridge in the world.

A small problem arose. How was the boat traffic going from the river to the lake, and vice versa, going to get under the bridge? Someone suggested that a drawbridge was the only solution to the problem. In June of 1909, a contract for a steel lift was awarded and work on the bridge was started again. After numerous problems, the bridge was completed and ready for use on March 11, 1910. It had been almost three years under construction and the total cost was $50,000.

When completed the bridge was about 200 feet short of two miles long. It served the area for many years but 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 with help from the WPA (Works Progress Administration). The bridge was dedicated on March 3, 1934 and it retained the name of “The longest wooden bridge in the world.” 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 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 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. That is why the houses on that part of 1st Avenue, near the river, have no driveways. The traffic made it dangerous to back out onto the street.

The bridge over the Pend Oreille River has a magic effect on most people 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.”