Urban exploration is a popular activity these days. Most of the time, it includes abandoned buildings or tunnels. But you can also count bridges!
The Graffiti Bridge in Berks County, near Reading, is a popular destination for urban exploration. But it’s also fun just to see the artwork (I consider Graffiti art, although I know some people do not) and enjoy the beauty of Ontelaunee Lake. Plus, there is a walking path that extends your fun past the bridge.
If you’re in Reading or nearby, I think it’s worth making a special trip to see the bridge. It’s truly a unique attraction!
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The History of Graffiti Bridge in Berks County
Officially called the Lake Ontelaunee Bridge or the West Shore Drive Bridge, it was built in 1928 to cross the Ontelaunee Reservoir. It was closed in the 1990s.
It is a 403-foot-long, ribbed, three-span, open-spandrel arch bridge that carries two lanes of traffic over the reservoir.
Graffiti Bridge Location & Parking
Location
About 25 minutes north of Reading, the bridge sits alongside Ontelaunee Lake in Shoemakersville, PA. It was once part of West Shore Drive, but is now open only to pedestrians.
Parking
There are two places you can park to access the Graffiti Bridge.
First, the closest place to park for the bridge is at West Shore Drive and Ridge Road. There isn’t an official parking area, but there is space on the side of the road for a few cars. From here, it’s just a few steps to reach the bridge.
If you’d like to walk the length of the trail, which is about a half-mile one way, park at West Shore Drive and Kemmerer Road. Just like Ridge Road, there is no dedicated parking area, but there is space along the side of the road for a few cars.
Walking Trail Over Graffiti Bridge Near Reading
Although the bridge is closed, the paved portion of West Shore Drive remains open, allowing visitors to enjoy an easy stroll along Ontenlaunee Lake.
The closed portion of the road is about a half-mile long, one way. Since it is paved, it is open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Graffiti Bridge
Graffiti Bridge itself is a community-created work of art. Since its closure in the 1990s, local artists, teens, and taggers have added to the ever-changing artscape. You never know what you’re gonna see on the Graffiti Bridge!
As you approach the bridge, you’ll see the concrete barriers to keep out vehicles. They are also covered in urban art.
Even along the trail from Kemmerer Road, you’ll find spots of Graffiti, but it isn’t as condensed as the art on the bridge.
Other Things to Do Near Graffiti Bridge
The Graffiti Bridge isn’t far from other fun things to do in Berks County. Crystal Cave is less than 20 minutes away, and so is the Berks County Heritage Center and Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.
It’s about 25 minutes from Reading, where you can visit the Pagoda or the Reading Public Museum and Arboretum.
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