The FHWA requests that the City “take the necessary steps to remove the non-compliant crosswalk art as soon as it is feasible.”

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MARCUS: THIS IS THE AL INCLUSIVE CROSSWALK AT 5TH AND DOUGLAS IN AMES A CROSSWALK THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION HAS A PROBLEM WITH. >> THEY HAVE INFORMED US THEY BELIEVE THE CITY IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE BECAUSE THAT MANUAL CALLS FOR ONLY WHITE PAINT IN CROSSWALKS. MARCUS: MARK LAMBERT IS THE AMES CITY ATTORNEY HE SAYS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT HAS JUST COME UP. >> THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION HAD INFORMED US BEFORE THE COUNCIL APPROVED THEY BELEIVED THE CROSSWALK WILL VIOLATE THIER MANUAL. MARCUS: AS YOU CAN SEE, THE CITY COUNCIL WENT AHEAD WITH THE MULTI COLORED CROSS WALK. A MESSAGE THAT AMES IS WELCOMING TO ALL PEOPLE. THE THOUGHT THAT IT MAY BE CHANGED IS NOT SITTING WELL WITH SOME RESIDENTS >> THATS CRAZY. MARCUS: TERRIE HOEFER WANTS THE CROSSWALK TO STAY PUT, TELLING US SHE HAS BEEN FOR THIS DISPLAY OF A WELCOMING COMMUNITY FROM DAY ONE. >> WE WERE TOTALLY ON BOARD WITH THE PROJECT AND VERY PLEASED IT WAS HAPPENING, WE THINK IT SHOWS COMMUNITY AND WELC

Advertisement Feds ask Ames officials to remove 'inclusive' crosswalks The FHWA requests that the City “take the necessary steps to remove the non-compliant crosswalk art as soon as it is feasible.” Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Ames officials say the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration sent a letter to the city manager saying the city’s “inclusive” multi-colored sidewalks do not meet code.According to Ames officials, the FHWA noted its position that its Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices prohibited the use of anything but white paint in crosswalks and noted its “official interpretation” that colored crosswalks or art in crosswalks are not allowed.The new inclusive crosswalks were installed at Fifth and Douglas earlier this month. The crosswalks on Douglas feature a minority-inclusive rainbow. The crosswalk on Fifth to the east features gender non-binary pride colors, and to the west it features pride transgender colors. The letter from the FHWA goes on to state that the FHWA requests that the City “take the necessary steps to remove the non-compliant crosswalk art as soon as it is feasible.”Ames officials believe the FHWA does not have jurisdiction over the roads in question, noting, “The FHWA did not have a direct answer to this question, and it appears they are still researching whether they have any regulatory authority in this situation. These streets are not part of a federal highway and these streets receive no federal funding. With the system of federalism in the United States, the federal government does not have jurisdiction over everything.”Ames City Attorney Mark O. Lambert said, “I note that the FHWA’s letter included a “request” – not a demand – for the City to remove the colored crosswalk markings. This is not a lawful order or demand by a federal agency, it is merely a request.”Ames officials noted the city would be notified if the request would become more than just a request.KCCI’s Marcus MaIntosh is looking into the controversy and will have more later today on the KCCI Breaking News and Weather App and KCCI 8 News.