The video attached to this story originally aired on Aug. 22, 2025.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Oct. 24 city of Austin memo lists out several roadways and crosswalks that could be removed under directives from the U.S. and Texas Departments of Transportation, or DOT and TxDOT.
In July, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the “SAFE ROADS” initiative, or Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies. It asked states to participate in keeping crosswalks and intersections “free from distractions.”
“Distractions include promotional or political messages of any nature, artwork, or anything else that detracts from the core mission of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians safely navigating the right-of-way,” reads a SAFE ROADS frequently asked questions document.
On Oct. 8, Gov. Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to comply with the initiative.
“To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas,” his letter reads, “Any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.”
In the Oct. 24 memo, Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) Director Richard Mendoza said Austin’s traffic engineer would send an “exception request” to TxDOT. It also said ATPW would support a task force proposed by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
Which roads in Austin could be changed?
Some have criticized the initiative as anti-LGBTQ+ for requiring the removal of rainbow crosswalks. The memo identified three intersections with rainbow crosswalks:
- Morrow Street and Watson Street (2024)
- Manor Road and Leona Street (2024)
- Fourth Street and Colorado Street (2021)
The other street murals listed in the memo were located at:
- Brick-patterned crosswalk at Pedernales Street and Webberville Road (2024)
- “River” crosswalk at the Lower Colorado River Authority on Lake Austin Boulevard (2016)
- “Black Artists Matter” street-wide letters on East 11th Street (2021, refreshed 2024)
- “Texas” street-wide letters on The Drag (2024)
- Traffic circle on 52nd Street and Avenue G (installed without permit)
- Traffic circle on 52nd Street and Avenue H (installed without permit)
- Traffic circle at East 22nd Street and Salina Street (2014)
- Mostly faded crosswalk mural at West Wind Trail and Westgate Boulevard (2017)
- Mostly faded crosswalk mural at Cougar Drive and Sahara Drive (2017)
- Parking area mural on Onion Creek Drive (2023, currently being restored)
- “Fairy Alley,” between Treadwell Street and Dexter Street (2014)
The University of Texas at Austin installed the “Texas” lettering on Guadalupe Street last year to “enhance the campus experience for its students.” It coincided with the school’s entry to the Southeastern Conference, according to a May 2024 press release from UT Austin.
-
“Texas” painted across Guadalupe Street in Austin. (Courtesy UT Austin) -
A mural with the words “Black Artists Matter” is being painted on East 11th Street on Thursday. (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) -
Austin’s rainbow crosswalk at 4th and Colorado Streets (KXAN photo/Tim Holcomb) -
A 2019 photo of “River” crosswalk design on Lake Austin Blvd. in Austin. (KXAN File)
Some locations on the list were already slated for removal due to road improvements, Mendoza noted:
- Median on Arroyo Seco and Jim Hogg Avenue (2023)
- Crosswalks painted in yellow on Lamar Square Drive (2022)
- Mural in non-travel lanes on Joe Sayers Avenue between Ullrich Avenue and Theckla Terrace (2023)
Credit: Source link
