Tickets to Houston-area gun shows are still available, but taxpayer-funded directions are not.
Texas Department of Transportation officials in Houston are suspending the use of freeway message signs for firearms-related events, citing concerns about their use days after the Newtown. Conn., school shooting.
"We had several people say 'Hey, this is bad timing,'" said Stuart Corder, director of transportation operations for TxDOT's Houston district. "We understand there is a wide a range of opinions and we've got to be sensitive to people's concerns."
Corder said it wasn't certain whether directional signs for gun shows would ever be reinstated.
"At this point, I do not know," he said. "You're trying to balance community concerns with trying to provide useful information."
Transportation officials, when contacted by event organizers, routinely use the signs to direct traffic or advise visitors where to exit freeways. Major events such as rodeos and sporting events are commonly displayed, along with the occasional car show or bridal expo.
Gun show organizers said the signs are important, but their absence won't ruin their shows.
