Artist Jenny McCracken works on the new 3-D pedestrian crossing with Downer contractor Nathan Pope in Clyde St yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh.

The finishing touches on the new 3-D pedestrian crossings in Dunedin were made last night.

The Dunedin City Council had two three-dimensional crossings painted on Clyde St.

Jenny McCracken.

The paintings created an optical illusion, appearing 3-D to motorists while being flat to pedestrians.

The crossing at the intersection of Clyde St and Union St East appeared as feet walking under zebra stripes. The crossing north of the Leith River appeared as rocks in a river.

The work was produced by Melbourne-based artist Jenny McCracken, assisted by Dunedin artist Guy Howard-Smith.

Council urban design team leader Crystal Filep said the crossings looked better than expected.

"It looks great."

The collaborative project was "challenging and exciting".

The project was a trial and if feedback from the community was positive, then consultation would begin for more 3-D crossings at other Dunedin roads, Ms Filep said.

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz