Sandpoint, ID (SPT)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$540,722

Station Ridership

FY 2011

5,296

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

Sandpoint’s Tudor style station, built in 1916, is the oldest former Northern Pacific Railway (NP) depot still in active use in Idaho—and one of a few nationwide that remains in operation. The NP built three depots on this site, and the present one retains many original features such as glazed white tile wainscot and handsome wood benches in the waiting room. In recognition of its physical and design integrity and place within the city’s railroad heritage, the station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Unfortunately, continued deterioration of the building led to the closure of the waiting room in June 2009 after acoustic tiles fell from the ceiling; therefore, passengers only use the adjacent platform.

In the early 2000s, the building’s future was called into question as planning progressed for a reroute of Interstate 95 that was to move the highway out of the congested downtown and onto the peninsula between Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek where the depot is located. To construct the roadway, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) had to negotiate with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF), whose right-of-way travels up the short spit of land and whose property includes the depot and the parcel on which it stands.

Plans for the new 2.1 mile section of highway—known as the Sand Creek Byway—had it passing within 40 feet of the west side of the depot, which prompted concerns about access for busses and emergency responders. As part of mitigation efforts related to construction, ITD paid BNSF approximately $922,000 to stabilize the depot or design and erect a replacement facility. For a few years, it was uncertain if Amtrak would continue to use the old station or choose to move to a new one outside of town.

In the fall of 2011, Amtrak, the city, and BNSF agreed to keep the stop at its current location; details of the agreement should be completed by spring 2012. BNSF will lease the depot to Amtrak which in turn will sublease it to the city. The structure will be rehabilitated using the funds that the ITD originally gave to BNSF. Needed repairs include repointing of the mortar that holds the bricks together; installation of a new roof; and renovation of the interior spaces to bring them into accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The waiting room would reopen to passengers, and as part of an economic redevelopment scheme, the city could rent out a portion of the interior for commercial or office use. Amtrak also plans to build a new concrete platform with tactile edging that will be ADA compliant. The design and rehabilitation process could take from two to three years.

In 2011, Sandpoint was named “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town” in a contest sponsored by USA Today and Rand McNally. The award noted the city’s stunning lakeside location surrounded by mountains—known for excellent skiing—and the lively downtown filled with small shops and restaurants.

Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at this facility which is served by two daily trains.