Texas directed the city of Dallas to remove rainbow and Black Lives Matter crosswalks. University Park said the directions don’t apply to SMU-themed crosswalks.
DALLAS — Dallas took action this week to remove rainbow and Black Lives Matter markings from several crosswalks, after a state directive mandated the change. However, another Dallas suburb says it determined that its decorative crosswalk can remain in place, despite the state order.
University Park said in a statement that an intersection featuring the SMU mustang formed with decorative bricks does not violate the directive that prompted Dallas and other cities to remove their decorative crosswalks.
Cities across the state removed decorative crosswalks after a directive by Gov. Greg Abbott issued on Oct. 8, meant to “prioritize uniformity and predictability in traffic control devices statewide,” according to the state.
In a letter dated Oct. 8, TxDOT told local officials that the department will enforce state and federal standards requiring uniform pavement markings. The letter cites the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SAFE ROADS Initiative, which calls for intersections and crosswalks to remain “free from distractions,” including political messages, symbols or artwork.
According to the letter, cities have 30 days to remove nonstandard markings — including murals, decorative designs or colored crosswalks — unless they receive written approval from TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Division. Jurisdictions that fail to comply could face the loss of state or federal transportation funding.
“Governor Abbott appreciates Texas municipalities’ compliance with his directive on roadway safety. Texans expect their tax dollars to enhance roadway safety, not advance political ideologies,” said Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris.
All the crosswalks are expected to be removed and replaced by April 28, WFAA previously reported.
The Mustang intersection was installed last year at Hillcrest and Daniel near Snider Plaza, according to a Facebook post from University Park. The intersection was installed in partnership with SMU.
The city said it believes the intersection complies with the state directive.
“After review of the TxDOT documents, we believe all intersections within the City are in compliance with the Governor’s order,” University Park said in a statement. “This determination was shared with TxDOT, and no further action was requested.”
Dallas had appealed TxDOT’s directive to remove the pavement markings, the city said, but TxDOT rejected the appeal.
Several other cities, including the intersection of Sandy Lake and Denton Tap roads in Coppell, have used brick pavers to add decoration to a major intersection. WFAA has reached out to Coppell, asking if they have any plans to make changes to the intersection, but did not immediately hear back.