The city of Dallas is asking state transportation officials to allow its rainbow-colored crosswalks in Oak Lawn to remain in place, despite a new state directive ordering cities to remove what it calls “political” markings from public streets.
City officials argue the crosswalks were privately funded, meet all safety standards, and are an important symbol of community pride in the neighborhood historically known as the heart of Dallas’ LGBTQ+ community.
The request seeks an exemption from the Texas Department of Transportation’s order, which warns cities could risk losing state road funds if they don’t comply.
Dallas leaders say the crosswalks do not pose a hazard and should not be considered political because no public funds were used.
TxDOT has not said when it will decide on Dallas’ request. If denied, the city could be forced to remove the rainbow crosswalks or risk losing millions in state infrastructure funding.
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