UPDATE: Lubbock city officials have confirmed plans to remove the beloved Buddy Holly crosswalks following a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) mandate. The directive, issued October 8, 2023, enforces federal standards that prohibit non-traffic-related markings, compelling cities to act within just 30 days.
During a city council work session on November 11, 2023, Interim Director of Public Works, David Bragg, stated that the TxDOT’s order is part of a broader federal safety initiative. “The state and federal mandates are saying that we cannot have any artwork on the roadways,” Bragg explained, emphasizing the urgency to comply to prevent funding losses.
The removal affects three decorative crosswalks, including the iconic Buddy Holly glasses, which have become a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Installed in 2020, the glasses design is located at the intersection of 18th Street and Buddy Holly Avenue, near the Buddy Holly Center, a key attraction for music fans worldwide.
In a letter to state governors, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized that “roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork.” He launched the SAFE ROADS initiative to reduce distractions on high-fatality roads, urging compliance from every state, including Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has echoed this directive, stating that cities must adhere to federal road standards to avoid significant repercussions, including potential denial of state and federal funding. “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely,” Abbott stated in his own directive to TxDOT.
The city of Lubbock must now act swiftly to remove the crosswalks as part of its commitment to comply with state and federal regulations. Mayor Pro Tem Christy Martinez-Garcia expressed regret over the decision, noting the community’s fondness for the Buddy Holly design: “It’s so unfortunate because it’s such a tasteful cross-section and people like it.”
City officials have confirmed that the removal will be phased in over the next year during regular street maintenance to minimize costs. They clarified that the order applies only to public streets, allowing artistic markings on private property to remain unaffected.
This decision highlights the tension between federal mandates and local cultural expressions, raising concerns among residents about the loss of a beloved landmark. As Lubbock prepares to comply, the impact of this directive resonates deeply within the community, further emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of regulatory pressures.
In conclusion, the removal of the Buddy Holly crosswalks serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance safety regulations with community identity. As the city moves forward with the phased removal, residents and fans alike will surely mourn the loss of this cherished symbol of Lubbock’s musical legacy.
