Austin Removes Rainbow Crosswalks After Federal Order

City cites pressure from federal government to restore crosswalks to previous conditions.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The City of Austin has removed three painted crosswalks, including two with rainbow designs, after the Federal Highway Administration ordered the city to restore the crosswalks to their previous conditions. The decision comes after pressure from the Texas Department of Transportation and the federal government to remove 'political ideologies' from city streets.

Why it matters

The removal of the rainbow crosswalks highlights the ongoing debate over the display of LGBTQ+ symbols and messages in public spaces, with some arguing they represent political statements while others view them as important symbols of inclusion and diversity. The federal directive also raises questions about the extent to which local governments have autonomy over decisions about their own infrastructure.

The details

According to a memo from the City of Austin's transportation director, the Federal Highway Administration required the city to remove the three 'aesthetically treated' crosswalks by the end of the day on Wednesday. Two of the crosswalks featured rainbow patterns, while the third was painted to look like bricks. The crosswalks were initially installed in October 2024 as part of a research project conducted by the FHWA.

  • On October 2024, the crosswalks were initially installed.
  • On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the city removed the crosswalks.

The players

Richard Mendoza

The City of Austin's director of transportation and public works.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas, who directed cities to remove 'political ideologies' from streets or face funding cuts.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, who wrote to governors urging them to crack down on rainbow crosswalks in the name of safety.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state transportation agency that gave cities and counties until early November 2025 to remove 'decorative crosswalks, murals, or markings conveying artwork or other messages.'

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

The federal agency that ordered the City of Austin to remove the crosswalks and restore them to their previous conditions.

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What they’re saying

“FHWA provided notification of the termination of the experiment, which included direction to restore the sites to their previous conditions.”

— Richard Mendoza, City of Austin's director of transportation and public works (statesman.com)

“TxDOT cannot override the decision by the FHWA, and therefore, the FHWA decision is final.”

— Richard Mendoza, City of Austin's director of transportation and public works (statesman.com)

What’s next

The City of Austin has requested an exemption from TxDOT to keep 15 non-standard markings, including the three removed crosswalks, but has not yet received a response.

The takeaway

The removal of the rainbow crosswalks in Austin highlights the ongoing tension between local governments and federal/state authorities over the display of symbols and messages in public spaces. This decision raises questions about the balance of power and the extent to which cities can make autonomous decisions about their own infrastructure.