East Texas

By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

WHITEHOUSE -- School officials and police want residents to be aware of traffic congestion during the first week of classes at Whitehouse schools.

Expect delays before and after school hours, Police Chief Rick Waller said. Be prepared and be patient, he said.

Classes begin at 8 a.m. The high school lets out at 3:10 p.m. and the other schools at 3 p.m.

Avoiding traveling through town during these times "is going to make your driving experience better and lessen the traffic problems," Waller said.

Waller and Assistant Superintendent Daniel DuPree said the first week of school will be the most chaotic. Parents, historically take children to and from school to get them acclimated before having them travel by school bus, Dupree said.

Delays are expected on Texas Highway 110, where Brown and Stanton-Smith elementary schools and the junior high are in close proximity.

An option for entry to the new Stanton-Smith campus is using Shahan Ranch Boulevard off FM 346, west of Texas 110.

After entering on Shahan, take a right on Happy Circle and a right on Zavala Trail. Dupree said the district will place signs marking the route.

Waller and Dupree said using Shahan would reduce traffic on Texas 110.

Traffic leaving Stanton-Smith will not be allowed to turn north onto Texas 110. Waller said those who need to turn north should use Wildcat Drive, which has a traffic light onto Texas 110.

Waller said officers will be stationed at campuses to help with traffic flow.