SANDPOINT — Technology is your friend — until it isn't.

In a nutshell, that's what happened Tuesday evening when the Idaho Transportation Department began work to resurface the Long Bridge.

Despite its best planning efforts, ITD crews ran into a technical problem when the automated flagging system that controls alternating traffic across the bridge malfunctioned, said Heather McDaniel, ITD public information officer.

The system is designed so that human flaggers stationed safely at either end can operate stop-and-go signs with handheld devices. However, the system did not work as intended.

"Unfortunately, those devices didn't function properly last night, forcing us to switch the system into a timed mode," McDaniel said. "That change caused traffic queues to build up far longer than expected — at times 45 minutes to an hour, which then take quite some time to clear."

McDaniel said Tuesday's problems weren't a planning issue, noting the automated system was selected for the work because there is no safe escape for flaggers if a driver runs a stop on the Long Bridge.

"The technology keeps workers out of harm's way while still allowing traffic to alternate safely," she said. "It was the right tool for the job — but like all technology, sometimes glitches happen."

Department officials are actively working with the contractor to resolve the issue. If problems continue, McDaniel said ITD may fall back on traditional flagging methods.

"We're optimistic the issue will be resolved before (Wednesday's) work begins, and we expect smoother traffic operations moving forward," she added. "We truly appreciate the community's patience as we balance construction impacts with the safety of workers and drivers alike."

The work is being done to address joints with crews removing raised edges along the bridge's surfacing and adding a thin layer of epoxy to protect the roadway from precipitation.

While drivers may not notice a big difference, ITD said the work will keep snowplows from catching on the joints and help equipment last longer. Work is being done at night with crews setting up traffic control at 7 p.m. and wrapping up work by 6 a.m. the following day.

During the six-week project, the bridge will be reduced to one lane of travel during the nighttime construction period. However, the work zone will be limited to 1,000 to 1,500 feet at a time as opposed to 2024 when the entire length of the bridge was shifted to a single lane.

Another change from previous years is a wider work zone, allowing more oversize loads to pass through the work zone unimpeded. However, ITD officials cautioned that trucking companies and drivers with oversize loads should err on the side of caution and check Idaho 511 for specific limitations.

A 10-day-on, four-day-off schedule will be used by the contractor to expedite work and complete the project more quickly. That means the contractor will be working some weekend nights, ITD officials said.

A landmark in the community, the current Long Bridge was built in 1981 and underwent a rehabilitation project a few years ago that extended its design life from 75 to 100 years. A pedestrian bridge, which runs parallel, was built in 1956. Closed to vehicles, the pedestrian bridge was reinforced during that same project.