The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has introduced “Tex,” a striking cowboy sculpture crafted from retired traffic barrels, as part of a campaign aimed at enhancing work zone safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week. This innovative initiative seeks to transform safety equipment into eye-catching “barrel art” to remind drivers to reduce their speed in construction areas.
Unveiled in San Angelo, “Tex” is strategically placed along Knickerbocker Road to coincide with both National Work Zone Awareness Week and the local San Angelo Rodeo. The sculpture, which is entirely constructed from cones and barrels that no longer meet safety standards, serves as both a whimsical figure and a serious reminder for motorists to exercise caution.
This project falls under TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign, which aims to promote safety through various means, including traditional media. However, the agency is increasingly utilizing creative “barrel art” to attract public attention.
Jesus Hernandez, a maintenance supervisor in Presidio who has contributed to similar projects, emphasized the importance of raising safety awareness among children: “If we can make kids more aware of safety at a young age, that’s a win.”
San Angelo joins a growing list of Texas cities participating in this artistic safety initiative. In El Paso, for instance, residents are greeted by characters such as “Work Zone Willy,” the dinosaur “Safe-T-Rex,” and a rattlesnake named “Safe-T-Jake.” These figures have become local landmarks, with families often stopping to take photos.
In Houston, the creativity has expanded to grander designs, where TxDOT employees have crafted barrel-based squids, rockets, and alligators. These imaginative creations made their debut at the Houston Art Car Parade, showcasing their efforts to an estimated audience of 300,000 spectators.
The sculptures are crafted by TxDOT employees during their personal time, reflecting their commitment to the cause. Despite the playful nature of the art, the underlying message remains critical: with thousands of active work zones throughout Texas, officials stress that driver awareness is essential to prevent accidents.
“Behind every orange barrel is a person working to keep Texas moving safely,” TxDOT stated, underscoring the importance of vigilance on the roads.
