Texas is rejecting Austin’s request to keep several painted street markings, including the “Black Artists Matter” mural on East 11th Street, Pride crosswalks downtown and the burnt orange “TEXAS” mural near the University of Texas at Austin campus, according to a letter sent by the Texas Department of Transportation on May 18.
In the letter addressed to Austin Transportation and Public Works Director Richard Mendoza, TxDOT said several painted crosswalks and street murals violate state and federal roadway marking rules. The agency gave the city until June 22 to submit a plan to bring the locations into compliance.
TxDOT warned that failure to comply could result in the withholding or denial of state and federal transportation funding and the suspension of agreements involving road maintenance, utility relocation projects and other transportation initiatives.
The markings cited by TxDOT include the “Black Artists Matter” mural, rainbow crosswalks at Fourth and Colorado streets, a river-themed crosswalk on Lake Austin Boulevard, a sunflower traffic circle at East 22nd and Salina streets, a traffic circle at 53rd Street and Avenue H, and the “TEXAS” mural on Guadalupe Street near the university campus.
A city spokesperson confirmed Austin received the letter and said staff would provide an update to Mayor Kirk Watson and the City Council by Thursday.
TxDOT accepted Austin’s proposal to address three locations by installing curbs and other improvements. The agency also said artworks including “Fairy Alley” between Treadwell and Dexter streets and two children-decorated crosswalks could be allowed to fade naturally.
Artist and human rights advocate Jean-Pierre Verdijo, who helped paint the “Black Artists Matter” mural in 2020, said he expected the decision.
TxDOT said the decision was based on roadway safety concerns and the need for “uniformity and predictability” in traffic markings. The agency cited the SAFE ROADS Initiative announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and a directive issued by Gov. Greg Abbott in October ordering the enforcement of a ban on roadway markings that do not direct traffic.
The dispute follows an earlier federal directive requiring Austin to remove three experimental crosswalks that were part of a Federal Highway Administration study on colorful pavement markings and pedestrian safety.
Other Texas cities have also removed similar roadway markings. San Antonio removed rainbow crosswalks in January and later installed rainbow sidewalks in March.