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The Astoria Scum River Bridge
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 26, 2010
Modified Jan 26, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 26, 2010
Modified Jan 26, 2010
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A leaky pipe might not be much compared to, say, whatever caused the Bronx Swamp to take shape—but for locals in Astoria their watery mess is both gross and hazardous. It allegedly makes 33rd Street, beneath the Hell Gate Bridge viaduct approach, a festering cesspool of standing water or (when it's cold) a festering cesspool popsicle! This thing has a nickname: the Astoria Scum River... and now that river has a bridge.
This unauthorized bridge was created to help pedestrians cross the dangerous mess safely. Made from recycled materials, and costing the city zero dollars—even Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr. commended it. He does know it was created by street artists, right?
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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