Austin Ordered to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks and Other Street Art or Lose Funding

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) ordered the City of Austin on Monday that they must remove multiple street art installations, or risk losing state funding.

TxDOT told city transportation officials they must submit a plan by June 22 to make six different locations across the city comply with state traffic marking standards, after the city requested an exemption made for these sites back in November.

Markings include the giant "TEXAS" letters on the Drag near UT Austin's West Campus and the "BLACK ARTISTS MATTER" mural in East Austin. Other markings across the city were also ordered to be removed, including a river-themed crosswalk at Lake Austin Boulevard.

However, not all street markings have to be removed immediately. The Zilker neighborhood's Fairy Alley will be allowed to fade over time. Other sites are allowed to remain as long as the city installs curbing and other improvements to make the sites compliant.

The city confirmed it will submit its plan to remove the crosswalks by the June deadline.

Last October, Gov. Greg Abbott directed cities to remove "political ideaologies" from streets, after pressure from state and federal leaders. The city already removed three rainbow crosswalks in February.

"Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways," said Governor Abbott. "To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas."

After street art has already been removed earlier this year, the city will continue its removals as the June deadline approaches.