ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP, Pa – The graffiti bridge is somewhat of a roadside attraction for visitors.
“A little local spot that maybe is not as well known. We came across it this morning and saw it was covered in graffiti,” said Paul Reeves
Some may call it vandalism while others see art, and the memory of lost loved ones.
“We lost both of our brothers a couple years ago, and they were really big on tagging and graffiti and stuff. So, being here it makes us feel a little closer to them at that moment,” Reeves said.
However you may relate to this bridge near Lake Ontelaunee, its days are numbered.
“It breaks my heart,” Reeves said.
“It’s such a strong expression of art. In my opinion, a release for the younger generation to just get it out,” he added.
The bridge was built by the city of Reading Water Bureau in 1927. It’s currently owned by PennDOT, and had been closed for 30 years due to deterioration.
Now its fate is destined to be similar to another oddity.
“We tried yesterday to check out Centralia and the old highway,” Reeves said.
“It’s definitely something I want to see again, and unfortunately I’m not gonna be able to,” Reeves added.
Centralia’s Graffiti Highway was covered in 2020.
A definitive date for Berks’ graffiti bridge dismantling has not yet been announced, but the Reading Area Water Authority says it should be within the next five years.
“We just love this. It’s a shame it’s going to be lost in the near future, I guess,” said Laurie Harrington.