City of San Marcos crews began removing painted crosswalks and curb extensions, featuring local wildlife and plants, along San Antonio Street in San Marcos on April 22 to comply with a Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, directive.
What happened
Following community support for the city’s roadway artwork, the city has since submitted a new action plan to TxDOT that includes a roadway solution allowing for the painted curb extensions at San Antonio Street and Comanche Street to remain, according to a city social media post.
A solution involving the construction of sloped curbs around the painted extensions was agreed upon, according to the post. Construction on the roadway will be completed this week.
How we got here
The curb extensions and crosswalks were originally painted in spring 2025 as a part of the Paint the Path project, according to previous Community Impact reporting. In October 2025, TxDOT issued a letter to municipalities across the state requesting the removal of all noncompliant pavement markings.
Noncompliant markings include those that do not serve a traffic control or safety function and are located on travel lanes, shoulders, intersections and crosswalks, according to the letter.
San Marcos identified four downtown locations that featured artwork impacted by the directive, including:
- Curb extensions at CM Allen Parkway between Hopkins Street and University Drive
- Curb extensions at San Antonio Street and Comanche Street
- Painted crosswalks at San Antonio Street and Feltner Alley
- Painted crosswalks at San Antonio Street and Fredericksburg Street
City crews have removed the artwork at the downtown crosswalks and curb extensions along CM Allen Parkway.
Looking ahead
The Paint the Path project was a collaborative endeavor between the city of San Marcos, Texas State University, local artists and volunteers, according to previous Community Impact reporting. City staff intend to meet with project stakeholders to discuss alternatives to the crosswalk and curb extension artwork.
