Residents in North Austin’s Crestview neighborhood are speaking out after their beloved rainbow crosswalk was covered overnight.
AUSTIN, Texas — The crosswalk at Morrow and Watson streets — adjacent to a public soccer field in the Crestview neighborhood — was transformed into a rainbow design in October 2024, according to the City of Austin. But neighbors said the vibrant colors that once brightened the intersection are now gone.
“Something is wrong”
Karla Manzur Vanderbrook, whose home is connected to the crossing, said she was disappointed after noticing the change right next to her driveway.
“Yeah, I was just like so shocked,” Vanderbrook said. “I was like, ‘Something is wrong,’ and then I realized there was significantly less color on the street.”
Celeste Padilla, another Crestview resident, also noticed the change during her evening walk.
“It is a lot less colorful, a lot less friendly, and a lot less Austin and North Crestview,” Padilla said.
Part of statewide order
The Crestview crossing is not alone. Several decorative street murals across Austin — including intersections at Pedernales Street and Webberville Road in East Austin, as well as 4th and Colorado streets downtown — are also on a list for removal.
The removals come as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) implements the “SAFE ROADS Initiative.”
In October, TxDOT issued an order — at the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott — instructing local governments to remove roadway displays that do not serve a direct safety function within 30 days or risk losing state funding and contracts.
Vanderbrook said she worries other murals may soon face the same fate.
“I wasn’t aware of the status of the other crosswalks, but I would think if they targeted this one, then the others are on the list,” she said.
What happens next?
KVUE reached out to Austin Transportation and Public Works regarding the city’s request for an exception from TxDOT.
In a statement, the city said:
“A memo to Mayor and Council regarding the current status and next steps for these pavement markings is expected to be published this week.”
The city did not confirm whether additional decorative street symbols would be covered in the coming days.
For some neighbors, the uncertainty is frustrating.
“Is there no room for pushback?” Padilla asked.
Vanderbrook also questioned the city’s response.
“I would just question their commitment to what Austin stands for and their commitment to the politics that have made Austin what it is — keeping Austin weird,” Vanderbrook said.
City officials said more information is expected soon. KVUE will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.