Magnolia Police Chief Paul Michna issued a report to the city council last week that cited several intersections and city streets as ones that “need to be addressed to make them not only safer, but to ease traffic congestion.”

Michna was asked by the council to conduct the study and present his findings, which he did at the March 10 council meeting.

One of the most congested areas of Magnolia is at the intersection of Buddy Riley Boulevard and FM 1774. The lack of a turn lane onto Buddy Riley results in significant traffic delays when a train passes through the city.

Michna identified that intersection as one of the top three traffic-related issues in Magnolia. However, City Administrator Ryan Kelley said it was unclear who owned the right-of-way to put in such a turn lane.

He said it could be the state or Union Pacific, which owns the rail line and surrounding properties. Michna said that with the planned expansion of FM 1774, any improvements in traffic flow would only be temporary.

“No one is wanting to start tearing up streets,” he said. “These are short-term solutions to long-term problems.”

Michna reported that TxDOT recommended installing the improved shoulder and turn lane, and that it was the best “short term solution.”

His report also included a request to implement a uniform speed limit on Nichols Sawmill Road.

“The speed limit is not consistent on both sides of the road,” Michna reported, “and is probably posted at too low of a speed. Most of the comments I receive about traffic in Magnolia pertain to that stretch of road.”

The council took immediate action on his request, voting to change the speed limit on Nichols Sawmill to 40 miles-per-hour, and 25 miles-per-hour in school zones.

“I think that’s going to fix a long, existing problem on Nichols Sawmill,” Michna said.

He also cited intersections at FM 1488 and Little Twig, Charlie and Roy as problem areas for traffic accidents.

“The accidents at these locations usually result in injuries and extensive damage due to speed,” he said. “A turn lane is needed on FM 1488 allowing vehicles to move out of a moving lane of traffic in order to turn left onto these streets and the speed limit should be lowered.”

Michna said the road is owned by the state, so the responsibility of marking a turn lane would fall to TxDOT.

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