CITY OF SAN MARCOS
TxDOT denied COSM request for exception
Beginning Wednesday, April 22, city of San Marcos crews will begin removing decorative crosswalks and painted curb extensions (bulb outs) in downtown San Marcos in compliance with a directive issued by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The work is expected to take several days to complete, weather permitting.
In October 2025, the city of San Marcos received a letter from Tx-DOT requesting that city transportation officials remove any pavement markings non-compliant with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. TxDOT sent the same letter in October to cities and counties across the state. Specifically, the letter indicated that non-standard surface markings including decorative crosswalks, murals, or markings conveying artwork or other messages should be removed.
The city identified four locations subject to the directive, which include:
• Curb Extensions at CM Allen Parkway between Hopkins Street and University Drive
• Curb Extensions at San Antonio Street at Comanche Street
• Painted Crosswalk at San Antonio Street at Feltner Alley
• Painted Crosswalk at San Antonio Street at Fredericksburg Street In November 2025, the city of San Marcos submitted an exception request to TxDOT for the Downtown decorative crosswalks and bulb outs. In April, TxDOT notified the city that the exception request was not approved and required the City submit a plan to remove the pavement markings.
TxDOT indicated that failure to comply with the directive may result in state or federal funding that supports local projects to be withheld or denied, or agreements between TxDOT and the city to be suspended.
“The city of San Marcos is disappointed with Tx-DOT’s order but remains committed to ensuring our roadways are safe,” said Director of Public Works, Sabas Avila. “The city will begin work to remove the decorative crosswalks with the least possible disruption to the public.”
The San Antonio Street locations were painted in spring 2025 as part of the “Paint the Path” project and include images of nature, including local wildlife and plants. The project was a collaboration between the city of San Marcos, Texas State University, local artists, and volunteers that aligned with improvement and placemaking initiatives included in the Downtown Area Plan that was approved by the San Marcos City Council in November 2023.
City staff expect to meet with stakeholders involved in the “Paint the Path” project to discuss expressive outlets and alternatives to the crosswalks and bulb outs that may be available.
“The crosswalk murals and bulb outs completed as part of the “Paint the Path” project were the result of years of planning and hours of hard work by artists and volunteers, and we’re thankful for their partnership in helping to enhance the downtown area,” said Downtown Manager Josie Falletta. “The project is a 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.”
