The Sanger Police Department is working closely with Sanger ISD and the Sanger ISD Police Department to address traffic congestion issues

After the first two weeks of school, traffic on FM 455 near the new high school and Indian Lane (near SMS and Butterfield) has become a significant concern. Vehicles have been heavily backed up along FM 455 for both student drop-off and pick-up.

In anticipation of the increased traffic, Sanger ISD requested that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) install a traffic signal during the school’s construction. However, TxDOT requires a warrant study to be conducted for at least a year to evaluate whether a traffic signal is warranted based on factors such as traffic volume. If the study confirms the need, the district, working with local governments, will manage the design, procurement, and construction of the signal.

In the meantime, Sanger ISD, along with the Sanger Police Department and the SISD Police Department, are collaborating to find solutions that will help alleviate the traffic issues that have emerged.

  Sanger’s Police Department released some information this week: “Traffic on Indian Lane has been especially challenging during the start of this school year because of two issues: relocation of the middle school campus and construction on FM455. The Sanger Police Department is working closely with Sanger ISD and the Sanger ISD Police Department to address traffic congestion issues at the new high school on FM 455 and a number of which are addressed below. 

Center Turn Lanes

Recently, a concern was voiced regarding the use of the southernmost center turn lane for Butterfield Elementary. For clarification purposes, the turn lane CAN be used for northbound drivers that intend to turn left (west) into the parking lot regardless of whether the drivers have to stop and temporarily occupy that lane while traffic clears in front of them. Once the turn lane fills and impedes the single northbound lane, drivers must wait for traffic to clear, even those who intend on proceeding north toward the middle school. Drivers can neither make U-Turns nor cross the solid double lines and drive north in the single southbound lane to pass the stopped traffic, as both are traffic violations in a school zone.

Center Turn Lane Passing

Drivers can utilize a center turn lane to pass another vehicle if the lane is clear of traffic and made within a safe distance.   

U-Turns

Per the Texas Transportation Code, U-Turns are illegal in school zones. Furthermore, it is unlawful to drive through a parking lot for the purpose of making a U-Turn.

Please be patient and remember that traffic laws exist in this area for the sole purpose of keeping our children safe. It has been my experience that the Butterfield traffic clears in about 10 minutes and middle/high school traffic in 15 minutes or so. Those time investments are a small price to pay for the safety of our children.”