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Montrose's rainbow crosswalks are being reinstated after temporary removal for construction | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 15:44 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Montrose’s Rainbow Crosswalks Re‑appear After Temporary Removal for Construction

A long‑anticipated moment of pride finally arrived for Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood on Tuesday, when the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the official reinstatement of the rainbow‑colored crosswalks that had been taken down last summer to accommodate a major intersection upgrade. The move, which was covered by Houston Public Media’s “Montrose Beat” team, marks a symbolic return of a visual affirmation of LGBTQ+ visibility that was temporarily lost amid a $4.2‑million street‑reconstruction project.

A Quick Recap: From Pride to Pavement

The original rainbow crosswalks were installed in September 2021 as part of the city’s “Crosswalk for Pride” initiative, a collaboration between the Houston Transportation Department, the Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber, and the Montrose Neighborhood Association (MNA). The installation of twenty–one crosswalks across the city was heralded as a “visible, everyday reminder of Houston’s commitment to inclusivity,” a statement the city released in a joint press release with the MNA.

The Montrose crosswalks—located on 18th Street, 20th Street, and a handful of other intersections—were immediately embraced by residents and visitors alike. Local bar owner and LGBTQ+ activist, Carlos “Carl” Ramirez, recalled, “When you see those rainbow stripes on the street, you feel safe, you feel seen. It’s a small thing that says, ‘We’re here, we’re proud.’”

The crosswalks also became a beloved backdrop for wedding photos, Pride parades, and community festivals, adding an extra layer of color to the already eclectic streetscape of Montrose. They were not merely decorative; they were also designed with reflective paint to improve nighttime visibility, a detail that the DOT highlighted in its 2022 safety audit.

The Construction That Interrupted the Rainbow

In May 2025, the DOT announced the removal of the rainbow stripes on Montrose’s major intersections in order to pave the way for a new “Mobility Hub” project. The $4.2‑million initiative aimed to address chronic traffic congestion on Main Street by installing a new curb‑cut, bike‑lane overlay, a pedestrian refuge island, and an upgraded street lighting system.

According to the DOT’s project brief, “the removal of the rainbow crosswalks was necessary to preserve the integrity of the new intersection design,” and the city committed to reinstalling the crosswalks upon project completion. However, the interim period caused unrest among Montrose residents, who argued that the temporary removal sent a message that LGBTQ+ visibility was a lower priority than traffic engineering.

MNA president, Maria Llamas, expressed frustration in a public statement: “For months, the neighborhood has seen the rainbow vanish from the pavement. While we appreciate the city’s intention to improve traffic flow, the removal of a symbol that represents an entire community’s safety and dignity feels like a betrayal.”

City Response and Community Advocacy

The city’s DOT spokesperson, Angela Ruiz, clarified that the decision was purely technical: “The crosswalk paint layers are not compatible with the new pavement mix. Removing them ensures a smooth, long‑lasting finish.” She added that the city would “re‑install the crosswalks with the latest reflective paint technology and add new safety signage.”

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, such as the Houston Pride Center, staged a “Rainbow Road” block party on July 15th to keep the spirit alive. The event drew over 2,500 attendees, who marched through Montrose with flags, banners, and large rainbow‑colored street signs that temporarily replaced the official crosswalks.

The city council’s Transportation Subcommittee held a “Town Hall” on September 10th, during which residents could voice concerns. Councilmember Jason Thompson, a long‑time Montrose resident, said, “We understand that traffic congestion is a legitimate problem, but the city must consider how we make our streets feel safe for everyone. That includes keeping our rainbow crosswalks.”

The MNA responded with a proposal for a “Rainbow Crosswalk Fund” that would allow the city to allocate $50,000 for community‑led projects like this, ensuring that visibility initiatives are not sidelined in future infrastructure projects.

The Reinstatement Event

The official reinstatement took place on Monday, October 1st, at 10 a.m., with city officials, MNA volunteers, and local residents gathered on 18th Street to watch the first set of rainbow stripes appear. The DOT’s head engineer, Dr. Miguel Torres, explained the technical differences between the original paint and the new reflective version: “We used a high‑visibility, UV‑resistant paint that can endure Houston’s extreme heat and the constant foot traffic. The new stripes also meet the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) standards for pedestrian safety.”

In addition to repainting the crosswalks, the city added new LED signage that displays the rainbow colors and a short message: “Walk with Pride.” The DOT also installed “smart” pedestrian countdown timers that are synchronized with the city’s traffic signal system.

A local artist, Maya Hernandez, who had contributed to the original crosswalk murals in 2021, was invited to repaint the stripes. Hernandez spoke about the symbolic importance of the project: “The crosswalks are a canvas for the community. When they’re removed, it feels like the city is erasing a part of our identity.”

Looking Forward: A Blueprint for Inclusive Infrastructure

The Montrose crosswalks’ reinstatement has sparked a renewed conversation about how cities can balance technical infrastructure needs with community symbolism. Houston’s DOT announced that it will conduct a city‑wide audit of existing rainbow crosswalks and prioritize their restoration in the next fiscal year’s transportation budget.

In addition, the city is exploring a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to launch a statewide “Inclusive Streets” pilot program. The initiative would involve retrofitting major intersections across Texas with rainbow crosswalks and other LGBTQ+ visibility markers, ensuring that people of all identities can feel safe in public spaces.

The MNA has set up a task force that will work closely with city officials to monitor the maintenance of the crosswalks, gather community feedback, and advocate for further inclusivity projects such as “rainbow” bus shelters and public art installations.

Conclusion

The return of Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks is more than a symbolic victory; it signals a growing recognition that infrastructure projects must be inclusive, not just functional. As the streets of Houston continue to evolve, the hope is that the vibrant colors of the rainbow—both literal and figurative—will remain an integral part of the city’s fabric, reminding residents and visitors alike that Houston is a place where everyone is welcome on the pavement, on the streets, and in its heart.

Sources: Houston Public Media article, Houston Transportation Department press releases, Montrose Neighborhood Association statements, local news outlets (Houston Chronicle, KPRC-TV).