Buddy Holly crosswalk to be removed following order on roadway artwork

Published: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:16 am

Buddy Holly Crosswalk in Lubbock to Be Removed Due to Federal Directive

Lubbock, Texas, is set to remove its Buddy Holly crosswalk, a painted depiction of the rock and roll legend's iconic glasses, following a directive from the Trump administration and Republicans. The city council has stated that they must comply with the order, which aims to eliminate artwork from public roadways.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, under the direction of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, announced stricter enforcement of a 2013 Federal Highway Administration rule. This rule restricts artwork in crosswalks, citing concerns about pedestrian safety. The rule allows only certain patterns in earth tones. Letters were sent to governors across the country, warning that federal road funding would be jeopardized if states, counties, and cities failed to comply.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott subsequently issued a directive to the Texas Department of Transportation, instructing the agency to ensure compliance with the federal guidelines. The governor emphasized the importance of using taxpayer dollars responsibly and avoiding the advancement of political agendas on Texas roadways.

The Lubbock crosswalk, installed in 2020 near the Buddy Holly Center, is a popular landmark. However, the city received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation, threatening the loss of state or federal funding for road projects if the artwork was not removed. City officials have acknowledged the public's affection for the crosswalk but have stated that they have no choice but to comply with the directive. The removal is scheduled to occur during normal maintenance next year.

BNN's Perspective: While the intent to prioritize road safety is understandable, the broad application of this directive raises concerns. The removal of a tribute to a beloved cultural figure like Buddy Holly, particularly in his hometown, feels like an overreach. The focus should be on safety, but a more nuanced approach could have allowed for artistic expression that doesn't demonstrably compromise pedestrian well-being.

Keywords: Buddy Holly, crosswalk, Lubbock, Texas, roadway artwork, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Sean Duffy, Greg Abbott, road funding, pedestrian safety, artwork removal, political messages, Buddy Holly Center.

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