The Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas has a rainbow crosswalk.
DALLAS — The city of Dallas announced Friday it notified the Texas Department of Transportation it would comply with the directive requiring removal of non-compliant pavement markings, such as rainbow-colored crosswalks.
According to the city, the request covers 30 decorative crosswalks across the city.
“The city appreciates TxDOT’s partnership in sustaining safe multimodal transportation in Dallas,” City Manager Kim Tolbert said in a statement. “The city will work with affected communities on ways to recognize their neighborhoods.”
The city had appealed TxDOT’s directive to remove the pavement markings, the city said, but TxDOT rejected the appeal.
This all comes following Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive issued last year on Oct. 8, which the state said is to “prioritize uniformity and predictability in traffic control devices statewide.”
There has already been some protesting the order, including an Oak Lawn church which painted its steps in rainbow colors in response.
Many local community activists have also protested the order, saying the crosswalks were privately funded and approved by the city.
“We’re increasing the vibrancy of the neighborhood and providing a safe space for a community that’s marginalized,” Valerie Jackson of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and Foundation said. “The rainbow is for everyone.”
The order has also seen the forced removal of other kinds of crosswalks across the state, such as the Buddy Holly-themed crosswalk in Lubbock that features his iconic glasses. There are other crosswalks along the SMU campus that feature the school’s mascot.
The city has 90 days to comply with the order.