Repair Work To Start On Amtrak's 31st St. Bridge

Responding to a call from City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. after falling concrete narrowly missed a pedestrian, Amtrak has started making repairs to its bridge which spans 31st Street between Ditmars Boulevard and 23rd Avenue in Astoria.

Cracks and loose concrete are still visible on the span from a nearby walkway, Vallone said. In addition, there has been a longstanding problem of seeping water which has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and gives off a foul odor.

On August 16, Vallone recounted, a pedestrian called 911 and reported that part of the bridge had collapsed, bringing numerous emergency responders to the scene.

The caller had exaggerated the damage as only a small piece of concrete had fallen. But the damage nonetheless caused Amtrak officials to heed Vallone's warning and make the necessary repairs.

Amtrak officials anticipate the work will be completed by late fall, Vallone (D-Astoria) said.

In responding to the lawmaker's request, Amtrak did an onsite inspection of the damaged portion of the bridge, decided what work is necessary and constructed scaffolding to facilitate the needed work.

Lenore Slimbock, Amtrak general superintendent for New York, wrote Vallone: "As you can see, this is a major undertaking by Amtrak that has been thoughtfully planned and will be carefully executed to provide a long-term solution. We are currently in the process of

selecting the appropriate vendor, who will then apply for the necessary city permits and then shortly thereafter you will be apprised of our work schedule."

Last year, a similar situation on another Amtrak bridge in Astoria resulted in concrete falling on several cars and some property, causing damage.

Vallone's complaint on that occasion also spurred Amtrak to make the necessary repairs.-John Toscano