A train carrying the remains of former President George H.W. Bush will travel along the Union Pacific Corp. rail line from Spring to College Station on Dec. 6, according to
information from Union Pacific.
In addition to Spring, the 70-mile funeral train route will pass through communities such as Hufsmith, Pinehurst, Magnolia and Todd Mission in the north Houston area, according to a
map of the route. The trip is expected to take just less than 2.5 hours, leaving Union Pacific's Westfield Auto Facility—which is not open to the public—at 1 p.m. and arriving in College Station near Texas A&M University's Kyle Field at 3:25 p.m.
The train making the trip is the No. 4141 George Bush Locomotive, which was unveiled in 2005 to honor Bush, the 41st president, according to Union Pacific information. The custom-painted locomotive features the colors of the Air Force One used during Bush's presidency.
Lt. Kyle Montgomery of the city of Magnolia Police Department said a specific timeline for when the train may pass through each community cannot be disclosed due to security reasons.
"We want as many people to come out and pay their respects, but we have to ensure the safety of the public and the security of the train procession," Montgomery said in an email.
Montgomery said onlookers must stay at least 25 feet from the railroad tracks to ensure safety.
In Magnolia, Melton Street will close at 11:30 a.m., but community members are able to park nearby and walk, Montgomery said. However, residents should avoid gathering on private property.