San Antonio, Texas, December 24, 2025
San Antonio plans to remove its rainbow crosswalks at North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street by January 15, 2026, following a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation. Despite this, rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments will be installed to continue celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. City officials express a commitment to inclusivity, considering the addition of symbols like the transgender flag into the new designs. The crosswalks, installed in 2018, have been recognized as non-compliant with state standards, leading to their removal under the directive issued by Governor Greg Abbott.
San Antonio to Replace Rainbow Crosswalks with Sidewalk Treatments Amid State Directive
San Antonio, Texas – The city of San Antonio is set to remove the iconic rainbow crosswalks located at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, following a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The removal is scheduled to be completed by January 15, 2026. In place of the crosswalks, the city plans to install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments one block north and one block south of the intersection to continue recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
State Directive and City’s Response
In October 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive mandating the removal of non-standard roadway markings that convey political ideologies, warning that noncompliant markings could jeopardize state and federal transportation funding. The rainbow crosswalks, installed in 2018, were identified by TxDOT as non-compliant with state standards. The city submitted an exemption request, but TxDOT denied it, stating that the request was not acceptable due to the lack of a signed certification from a traffic engineer affirming compliance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Consequently, the city has agreed to remove the crosswalks and replace them with standard markings by the specified deadline.
Community’s Continued Support
Despite the removal of the crosswalks, community leaders and advocates are committed to maintaining the visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The planned sidewalk treatments aim to preserve the area’s cultural significance and continue to honor the community’s contributions to the city. City officials, including District 1 Councilmember Sukh Kaur, have expressed intentions to incorporate additional elements, such as the transgender flag, into the sidewalk designs to further demonstrate inclusivity and support.
Background Context
The rainbow crosswalks have been a symbol of San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District since their installation in 2018. They have served as a visual representation of the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The directive from Governor Abbott aligns with a broader initiative to remove symbols and markings from roadways that are perceived to advance political agendas, with the stated goal of enhancing road safety and reducing distractions. The city’s decision to replace the crosswalks with sidewalk treatments reflects a balance between adhering to state directives and maintaining support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is San Antonio removing the rainbow crosswalks?
San Antonio is removing the rainbow crosswalks to comply with a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which mandated the removal of non-standard roadway markings that convey political ideologies. Failure to comply could result in the withholding of state and federal transportation funding. The city plans to replace the crosswalks with standard markings by January 15, 2026.
What will replace the rainbow crosswalks?
The city plans to install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments one block north and one block south of the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. This initiative aims to continue recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community while adhering to state directives.
When will the removal and replacement take place?
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks and the installation of the sidewalk treatments are scheduled to be completed by January 15, 2026.
How has the community responded to this change?
Community leaders and advocates have expressed a commitment to maintaining visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Plans for the sidewalk treatments include incorporating elements such as the transgender flag to further demonstrate inclusivity and support.
What was the original purpose of the rainbow crosswalks?
The rainbow crosswalks, installed in 2018, served as a symbol of San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District, representing the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Subject | Removal and replacement of rainbow crosswalks |
| Directive | Texas Department of Transportation’s mandate to remove non-standard roadway markings |
| Replacement Plan | Installation of rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments near the original crosswalks |
| Completion Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Community Response | Commitment to maintaining support for the LGBTQ+ community through alternative symbols |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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