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Texas flag emblem off I-20 to be removed over safety concerns

Safety concerns has led to plans to remove Texas-shaped artificial turf off Interstate 20 at the Spur 408 at the southwest edge of Dallas near Grand Prairie.

DALLAS, Texas -- Safety concerns has led to plans to remove Texas-shaped artificial turf off Interstate 20 at the Spur 408 at the southwest edge of Dallas near Grand Prairie.

According to officials, the increased popularity of the Texas flag emblem has led drivers to veer off the interstate and park illegally on the shoulder and median to take photos, "creating merging hazards for high-speed traffic."

Kara Jones stopped by on Monday night to take in one last sunset.

"It won't be the same without it here," she said. "In the summertime, with the blue bonnets everywhere, dozens of people are out here taking pictures."

Jones says she appreciate how dangerous the attraction has become, though, with motorists illegally exiting the interstate to snap a photo.

On the WFAA Facebook page, hundreds of people threw in their two cents, most dismayed that the iconic display is being removed.

However, it isn't the end for the Texas-shaped, flag-colored turf. Officials say they plan to relocate it to a more accessible area.

"The emblem is a source of local pride, and TxDOT is pleased to coordinate with the city of Grand Prairie to find a new, safe location that will allow visitors to access and enjoy it," read a statement from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The department said the display first went up in 2010 after a donation from a local turf company. Since then, a local boy scout troop further enhanced it, adding landscaping and more.

The city of Grand Prairie is currently working to find the new location.

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