All crosswalk art in downtown Victoria must be removed under new Texas Department of Transportation regulations aimed at eliminating non-standard roadway markings.
TxDOT this month issued a statewide prohibition against “political messages, artwork, or any other non-standard markings that may compromise safety” in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration’s SAFE ROADS (Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies) initiative.
“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,” according to a letter the City of Victoria received from TxDOT. “Local jurisdictions must remedy any non-compliant installations.”
Removal of the crosswalk art will begin Nov. 3. Once the artwork is removed, an asphalt seal will be applied to the crosswalks, and traditional pedestrian stripes will be repainted where necessary. This process is expected to take about two weeks.
“These new regulations are binding, and the City could lose funding or face other consequences if we do not comply,” said Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel. “We remain grateful to those who contributed their time and resources to this project that has been enjoyed by residents and visitors these past few years.”
The City of Victoria has contacted the sponsors and artists who were involved in the crosswalk art project to explain the situation and to thank them for their contributions to public art in downtown Victoria.
About the crosswalk art
Nine crosswalks in downtown Victoria were painted in 2022 through a partnership between the Victoria Main Street Program, the Victoria Fine Arts Association and local artist Josh Vega (Free Art Victoria). In 2024, a tenth crosswalk was painted in honor of the City’s bicentennial.
The crosswalks were painted by a team of volunteer artists including Nathan Rodriguez and Vega. The materials for the project were funded by private donations from the Victoria Rotary Club, Capital Title of Texas, Peaches and Tortilla Mercantile, Kathleen Keating (Novel Women Book Club), Brian Medina (MSIGND), the Victoria Fine Arts Association, the Quilt Guild of Greater Victoria, Prosperity Bank and the Keating family.
Stay connected
The City of Victoria supports downtown development through the Victoria Main Street Program. To learn more, visit www.victoriatx.gov/mainstreet.