San Antonio, Texas, December 30, 2025
San Antonio plans to remove the rainbow crosswalks at North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street by January 15, 2026, following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott. This decision comes after the Texas Department of Transportation denied the city’s request to keep the crosswalks that honor the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the removal, city officials intend to install alternative rainbow-themed sidewalk treatments nearby to continue celebrating inclusivity.
San Antonio to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks by January 15, 2026
San Antonio, Texas – The city of San Antonio has announced plans to remove the rainbow-colored crosswalks located at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street by January 15, 2026. This decision follows the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) denial of the city’s request for an exemption to retain the crosswalks, which were installed in 2018 to honor the LGBTQ+ community. The removal is in compliance with a directive from Governor Greg Abbott, who ordered the removal of “political ideologies” from Texas roadways, warning that noncompliant markings could jeopardize state and federal transportation funding.
Background and Community Response
The rainbow crosswalks were part of San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District, a designated area celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community. In October 2025, Governor Abbott directed TxDOT to ensure that cities and counties remove “political ideologies” from roadways, including symbols or messages conveying social or political viewpoints. Cities failing to comply could face consequences, including the withholding or denial of state and federal funds.
In response, San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board urged the city to challenge the state’s directive, emphasizing the crosswalks’ significance as symbols of visibility and inclusion. However, the city ultimately decided to comply with the state’s order to avoid potential funding issues.
Future Plans
While the crosswalks will be removed, city officials have stated that they plan to install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments one block north and one block south of the intersection to continue recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Implications
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks has sparked discussions about the balance between state directives and local cultural expressions. Community members and city officials are exploring alternative ways to honor the LGBTQ+ community within the framework of state regulations.
Related News
- More than $70 million in TxDOT funding at risk of being pulled, council member says
- Gov. Abbott directs TxDOT to enforce removal of ‘all political ideologies’ from Texas streets
- San Antonio to remove rainbow crosswalks after state deems request to keep them not ‘acceptable’
FAQ
Why is San Antonio removing the rainbow crosswalks?
San Antonio is removing the rainbow crosswalks to comply with a directive from Governor Greg Abbott, who ordered the removal of “political ideologies” from Texas roadways. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) denied the city’s request to keep the crosswalks, stating they did not meet federal and state guidelines. Noncompliance could result in the withholding of state and federal transportation funding.
What is the significance of the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio?
The rainbow crosswalks were installed in 2018 at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, located within San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District. They served as symbols of visibility, pride, and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.
What are the city’s plans after removing the crosswalks?
After removing the crosswalks, San Antonio 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.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Crosswalks | Intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, San Antonio, Texas |
| Installation Year | 2018 |
| Directive Issued By | Governor Greg Abbott |
| Compliance Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Alternative Plans | Installation of rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments one block north and one block south of the intersection |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Braunfels Receives Over $50 Million in Transportation Funding
Driver Arrested After Collision Injures Pregnant Woman
San Antonio to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks Amid TxDOT Directive
New Braunfels Tragedy: Fatal Pedestrian Accident on I-35
Water Main Break Causes Flooding on San Antonio’s North Side
Water Main Break Causes Flooding in San Antonio’s North Side
New Braunfels Launches ‘Ride the Rio!’ Microtransit Service
San Antonio Replaces Rainbow Crosswalks with Pride Sidewalks
San Antonio to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks Amid State Mandate
Community Resilience and Local Growth Highlighted in San Antonio News
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.
