Arabic version: بدء إزالة رسم «بام الطائر» من جسر بولت

According to ABC News, painters have begun a multi-day operation to cover the Pam the Bird graffiti on one of Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge pylons. Transurban is funding the work, which is expected to use 100 litres of surface preparation, primer and paint.

The image was spray-painted earlier this month on the bridge’s 140-metre-tall eastern pylon. Authorities allege Jack Gibson-Burrell, 22, forced entry to the pylon and climbed its existing ladder system before later voluntarily climbing down.

He was charged with 13 offences, including committing an indictable offence while on bail, burglary, criminal damage, conduct endangering life and graffiti-related offences. The incident affected thousands of vehicles during the morning peak commute.

Transurban general manager of road operations Peter Munro said crews would reach the top after climbing the pylon’s internal stairs, a trip taking about 40 minutes, before abseiling down on ropes. The work covers about 200 square metres, which Mr Munro compared with the size of a typical family home.

Commuters may first see a white undercoat over the image before final coats are applied over the following days. Mr Munro said retaining the image was not an option because Transurban’s role was to keep the landmark infrastructure clean and free from graffiti.