Why a Hill Country town is removing its nature-themed crosswalks

San Marcos will remove two decorative crosswalks and curb extensions painted with wildlife and plants in order to comply with a state directive prohibiting "non-standard" road markings, the city said Wednesday.

The city said removal of the paintings will start April 22 at the following locations:

* Crosswalk at San Antonio Street and Feltner Alley

* Crosswalk at San Antonio Street and Fredericksburg Street

* Curb extensions on CM Allen Parkway between Hopkins Street and University Drive

* Curb extensions at San Antonio Street and Comanche Street

The two crosswalks and curb extensions, known as "bulb outs," are painted to depict nature scenes, including monarch butterflies, an armadillo and bluebonnets. They're the latest casualty of a statewide crackdown on street art that has also forced the removal of San Antonio's rainbow crosswalks - the city replaced them with rainbow sidewalks - and Kerrville's blue river-themed crosswalks.

In October, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Transportation to crack down on cities and counties with street markings that convey social, political or ideological messages. That came after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote to governors urging them to join a national roadway safety initiative aimed at removing artwork and political messaging from streets.

TxDOT gave cities and counties 30 days to remove "non-compliant installations," or risk losing transportation funding.

"Pavement markings such as decorative crosswalks, murals, or markings conveying artwork or other messages are prohibited on travel lanes, shoulders, intersections and crosswalks unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function," the agency said.

TxDOT said exceptions could be granted only for "a demonstrated public safety benefit or compelling justification."

San Marcos requested an exception for its two crosswalks and two curb extensions, which were painted in spring 2025 as part of the city's "Paint the Path" project, a collaboration with Texas State University and local artists.

The city said it was notified in April that the request was not approved and that the markings must be removed.

"The city of San Marcos is disappointed with TxDOT's order but remains committed to ensuring our roadways are safe," Public Works Director Sabas Avila said in a written statement. "The city will begin work to remove the decorative crosswalks with the least possible disruption to the public."

Staff will work to find "expressive outlets alternative to the crosswalks and bulb outs that may be available," the city said.

The paintings "were the result of years of planning and hours of hard work by artists and volunteers," Downtown Manager Josie Falletta said. "The project is great example of what can happen when our community comes together to improve our public spaces. We are committed to honoring these efforts and exploring ways we may be able to commemorate the art for the community to enjoy."

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