Austin to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks, ‘Black Artists Matter’ Mural

Texas transportation leaders have ordered the city of Austin to remove rainbow crosswalks and other pieces of street art across the city — including the giant “TEXAS” letters on the Drag in West Campus and the “BLACK ARTISTS MATTER” mural in East Austin — or risk losing state funding. In a Monday letter, the Texas Department of Transportation told city transportation officials they have until June 22 to submit a plan to bring six locations in line with state traffic marking standards. Other markings that will be removed include a river-themed crosswalk at Lake Austin Boulevard and two painted traffic circles. Other street art, including the Zilker neighborhood’s beloved Fairy Alley, will be allowed to fade over time. The city will install curbing and other improvements at several other sites to bring them into compliance. The city confirmed it will submit a plan to remove the painted crosswalks by TxDOT’s deadline. The City Council-appointed Public Spaces Task Force plans to hold community events in June to “honor and retire some beloved pavement markings” including the pride crosswalks at Fourth and Colorado streets and the “Black Artists Matter” mural on East 11th Street.