Any local government that doesn’t comply could have state or federal road funding withheld, according to Abbott.
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott is directing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to make sure cities and counties are complying with federal guidelines about roadway markings and not allowing social, political or ideological messages on signs or signals.
“Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” Abbott said in a press release on Wednesday afternoon.
He said any local government that doesn’t comply could have state or federal road funding withheld.
TxDOT sent a letter to cities and counties on Wednesday, telling them they have 30 days to remove any noncompliant markings.
Houston public radio recently reported on controversy involving a rainbow crosswalk in the Montrose area. Conservative activists and a state representative have posted about it online, saying it goes against guidance from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has called for the removal of political messaging or artwork from roadways.
Austin has a rainbow crosswalk downtown, at Fourth and Colorado streets, as well as a street painted with “Black Lives Matter” on East 11th Street in East Austin.
KVUE reached out to the city’s transportation department regarding the TxDOT directive. The city shared with KVUE a letter sent to TxDOT stating that they “support the new chapters added to the Manuel on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and their inclusion as submitted” regarding crosswalks that use colored pavement.
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