Glowing asphalt at Weston-super-Mare

Tarmac National Contracting rose to the challenge of recreating the 'Milky Way' using asphalt and phosphorescent stone.

Commissioned by artist, Lara Favaretto, to construct a £70,000 installation along Weston-Super-Mare’s Marine Lake Causeway, the team won praise for their work on the unusual job.

The artwork, ‘Without earth under foot’ was one of seven specially commissioned ‘Wonders of Weston’, which were publicly launched in October 2010.

Nigel Holpin, general manager, National Contracting South West, said: “This was one of the most unusual jobs we’ve ever done. Getting the right blend of asphalt to withstand the tidal conditions was a technical challenge. Timescales were tight too, as all the artworks were unveiled on the same day. But we certainly showed the client, North Somerset Council, that no matter how tough the challenge we can provide a solution.”