By Parker McKenzie
A failed art installation on Blacksmiths Way in Belgrave will be re-laid by the contractor as a result of issues with a coating used on the road.
The project was completed in late 2021 as a part of a Landscape Masterplan for Blacksmiths Way, which included the application of a coloured surface to the lane featuring a graphic of flowing water and platypuses.
Yarra Ranges Council said issues with a batch of coating combined with weather complications resulted in the graphic feature drying with an uneven and cloudy finish.
“Late last year, we resurfaced the laneway and added a graphic feature to the road surface,” Yarra Ranges Council said.
“Unfortunately due to an issue with the coating used for the works, the graphic feature on the road hasn’t rendered with the finish and vibrancy we intended.”
Council said the contractor would complete the works at no extra cost.
The water graphic spans roughly 300 metres of Blacksmiths Way, which is located between Belgrave Train Station and Burwood Highway.
Belgrave local Michael Dinkgreve raised concerns about the installation with Yarra Ranges Council because the chemical phenol used in the installation is harmful to aquatic life and the coating was marking the road around Blacksmiths Way.
Mr Dinkgreve said he wanted council to supervise the rectification work to ensure there was no further risk of wastage ending up in drains.
“I have noticed that the bitumen is cracking due to the application of the epoxy systems used in the art installation,” Mr Dinkgreve said.
“The rectification procedures need to be double checked and done responsibly.”
Yarra Ranges Council said the work would consist of pressure washing, grinding back certain areas, removing debris, premixing and rolling out new surface materials.
Works were scheduled for 31 January to 2 February at night to avoid disruptions; however, as of 2 February it does not appear works have begun.
