Magnolia ISD and local law-enforcement agencies are preparing for the historic train processional Dec. 6 as the Union Pacific Corp. No. 4141 George Bush Locomotive carries the remains of former President George H.W. Bush from Spring to College Station. The locomotive is set to leave a Union Pacific facility in Spring at 1 p.m. and arrive in College Station at 3:25 p.m., according to information from Union Pacific. The train will pass through Hufsmith, Pinehurst, Magnolia and Todd Mission on its way to College Station.

Road closures

Although a specific timeline for when the train may pass through each community cannot be disclosed due to security reasons, road closures begin at 11:30 a.m. in the city of Magnolia on Dec. 6. Spectators must be considerate of private property and remain at least 25 feet from the railroad tracks, city officials said. According to the Magnolia Police Department, road closures include:
  • Melton Street is closed beginning at 11:30 a.m.
  • Buddy Riley Boulevard is closed at Acker Street beginning at 11:30 a.m.
  • FM 1774 from Nichols Sawmill Road to FM 1488 is closed beginning at 1 p.m. Drivers can detour from FM 1774 to Nichols Sawmill Road and take Old Hockley Road to FM 1488.

Magnolia ISD

While Magnolia ISD campuses will remain open on Thursday, the district will livestream the event in classrooms, Communications Director Denise Myers said in an email. Students at Magnolia West High School—which is located across FM 1774 from the Union Pacific rail line—will be able to catch a glimpse of the train passing by from the practice football fields. Students will gather on the practice fields around 1 p.m., according to a statement from MWHS Principal Ben King. The event will also be livestreamed on the video scoreboard at the football stadium, Meyers said. Additionally, MISD International Baccalaureate students will be doing live interviews at the event in Magnolia, Meyers said. Approximately 170 members of MISD's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps from the district's two high schools will stand in uniform at the former Magnolia Sixth campus on FM 1774, she said. Students are also encouraged to wear crazy socks Thursday in honor of Bush, Meyers said.

Tomball

Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan shared on her Facebook page Wednesday that city officials are working with Harris County officials to ensure safety along the train's route. Fagan could not be reached for comment.

Tomball ISD

Tomball ISD does not have specific events planned Dec. 6, Director of Communications and Marketing Allison McClain said in an email. Classes will continue as normal at all TISD campuses. However, some campuses are encouraging students to wear crazy socks to school to honor Bush, McClain said.