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Posted on 11/17/2025 11:31:12 AM PST by Red Badger
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - City leaders learned at Tuesday’s Lubbock City Council meeting that the city’s iconic Buddy Holly crosswalks must be removed to comply with state and federal law, following a directive from Governor Abbott regarding all decorative markings statewide.
The Texas Department of Transportation provided clarification on Lubbock’s “creative crosswalks” and notified the city that the Buddy Holly-themed crosswalks will have to be removed.
City officials previously thought the crosswalks were safe since they were art installations and not considered a political, religious or commercial message. TxDOT notified the city Nov. 5 that this was not the case.
On October 8, Governor Abbott issued a directive.
“Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways.
“Today, I directed the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure Texas counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from our streets. To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas. Any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.”
TXDOT Executive Director Mark Williams wrote in a letter October 8 that all cities and counties must “remedy any non-compliant installations within 30 days” or face a loss of funding.
“On July 1, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the SAFE ROADS Initiative (Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies),” Williams wrote. “The initiative emphasizes that intersections and crosswalks should be “kept free from distractions,” including political messages, artwork, or any other non-standard markings that may compromise safety. This aligns with longstanding FHWA guidance regarding colored pavement. See FHWA Interpretation Letter 3(09)-24(I) (2013)."
The crosswalks must be removed or a plan for removal must be submitted by Dec. 5. If city leaders delay action, federal and state funding could be withheld from the city.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE OCT. 23: Lubbock’s Buddy Holly crosswalks not affected by new Texas road standards
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Streets need uniformity and efficiency, they aren’t the place for art or opinions or protests.
Political, no. But to some of us, the veneration of Buddy Holly does approach being religious.
I have a feeling the Buddy Holly art isn’t the problem... too bad ‘the press’ can never tell the whole truth...
The responsible thing to do is leave them as they are. When restriping takes place at the normal time, go ahead and remove the art.
But that wouldn’t waste more tax payer money.
Standards did not used to cause grief.
Long collapsed, with TEXAS returning to them causes a strenuous adjustment.
Set them up in the park as art pieces.
What the hell is a Buddy Holly crosswalk and why in the world would anyone ever want or need one?
Yes, I know who Buddy Holly was... Still?
He chose a chalk one and those wash away.
I'm really surprised that local rascals haven't taken to painting circles in those glasses to make them look like breasts.
Saved me from posting just this.
Personally I like it as a great fan of Buddy Holly. However, a crosswalk should just be a cross walk. To allow this opens the gate for everything. I wish not to see famous gays of great talent as was Buddy Holly, displayed or anybody, period.
zzźzz- yawn, snort... zzźzzz
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