San Antonio, January 10, 2026
A Bexar County judge has denied a request to stop the removal of rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District. The ruling allows the city to replace these crosswalks with standard markings as directed by state authorities. City officials plan to begin the removal process soon, and intend to enhance the area with rainbow-themed sidewalks. Governor Abbott’s directive to follow federal guidelines on roadway markings spurred this legal dispute, which ultimately favored the city’s compliance with state law.
San Antonio, Texas
A Bexar County judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order that sought to halt the removal of rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District. This decision allows the city to proceed with plans to replace the crosswalks with standard black-and-white stripes, as mandated by state authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Ruling
On January 9, 2026, Judge Christine Vasquez-Hortick of the 225th District Court ruled against the plaintiffs—Pride San Antonio and the Texas Conservative Liberty Forum—who had filed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argued that the city lacked the authority to remove the crosswalks without additional City Council approval, contending that Public Works funds should not be used for artistic projects. However, city attorneys countered that the removal was necessary to comply with state regulations and that existing budget appropriations covered the costs. Judge Vasquez-Hortick found no evidence that the city violated any statutes or ordinances, stating that the court’s role was not to involve itself in political issues. Consequently, the request for a temporary restraining order was denied, allowing the city to move forward with its plans.
City’s Response and Next Steps
Following the ruling, city officials expressed their intention to proceed with the removal of the rainbow crosswalks. The work is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, and is expected to take approximately one week. Portions of the crosswalks are anticipated to be salvaged for future artwork. Additionally, the city plans to install rainbow-themed sidewalks along Main Avenue to enhance the Pride Cultural Heritage District, with the project estimated to cost about $170,000.
Background Context
The controversy over the rainbow crosswalks began when Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enforce federal and state guidelines that prohibit non-standard surface markings, such as symbols or flags, on roadways. This directive was part of the SAFE ROADS initiative, which emphasizes keeping intersections and crosswalks free from distractions. In response, TxDOT informed local jurisdictions, including San Antonio, that they needed to remove any non-compliant installations within 30 days to avoid potential consequences, including the withholding of state and federal road funding.
In summary, the legal challenge to halt the removal of San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalks has been unsuccessful, and the city is proceeding with the mandated changes to comply with state directives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit, filed by Pride San Antonio and the Texas Conservative Liberty Forum, sought to prevent the City of San Antonio from removing the rainbow crosswalks in the Pride Cultural Heritage District, arguing that the city lacked the authority to do so without additional City Council approval.
What did the judge decide?
Judge Christine Vasquez-Hortick denied the plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order, allowing the City of San Antonio to proceed with the removal of the rainbow crosswalks as planned.
When will the removal of the crosswalks begin?
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, and is expected to take approximately one week.
Why is the city removing the crosswalks?
The removal is in response to a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who ordered the Texas Department of Transportation to enforce federal and state guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings on roadways, including the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio.
What is the SAFE ROADS initiative?
The SAFE ROADS initiative is a program launched by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on July 1, emphasizing that intersections and crosswalks should be kept free from distractions, including decorative markings like the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Action | Pride San Antonio and the Texas Conservative Liberty Forum filed a lawsuit to prevent the removal of the rainbow crosswalks, claiming the city lacked authority without additional City Council approval. |
| Judge’s Decision | Judge Christine Vasquez-Hortick denied the request for a temporary restraining order, allowing the city to proceed with the removal of the crosswalks. |
| City’s Response | The city plans to begin removing the rainbow crosswalks on January 12, 2026, and install rainbow-themed sidewalks along Main Avenue, with the project estimated to cost about $170,000. |
| State Directive | Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Transportation to enforce guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings on roadways, including the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio. |
| SAFE ROADS Initiative | The SAFE ROADS initiative emphasizes keeping intersections and crosswalks free from distractions, such as decorative markings like the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
