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CANADA: Artist makes Dartmouth crosswalk look 3D. City paints over it

According to a municipal spokesperson, the artist has been notified that the removal has resumed
082019-3d crosswalk
(Photo: @StreetArtNS/Twitter)

HALIFAX - Municipal crews have been dispatched to remove a 3D crosswalk that has popped up in Dartmouth.

Artist Doug Carleton started adding shadows to the existing zebra markings in an attempt to make it appear that the crosswalk on Erskine St. at Elliott is floating in mid-air.

The artwork has garnered a lot of attention on social media.

HRM sent workers out to get rid of the optical illusion Tuesday, but halted the process pending a review by staff.

A municipal spokesperson told HalifaxToday.ca the artist has been notified that the removal has resumed.

"It is important to note that the removal of the artwork is not discretionary as the municipality is required to adhere to, provincial legislation regarding traffic markings," said the statement emailed from Maggie-Jane Spray.

She said the province's Motor Vehicle Act doesn't allow the addition of traffic signs, signals or markings unless they conform to Department of Transportation specifications.

"It is also important to point out that safety is always our primary concern," added Spray.

"We do not want residents putting themselves in harm's way by positioning themselves on an active street to apply artwork to the pavement or placing any paint on the roadway that would create a distraction for commuters, whether they are walking, rolling, driving or cycling."

- HalifaxToday.ca/Rogers Media