AMHERST, Mass. ( WWLP ) – Drivers should expect delays and road closures in the area of UMass Amherst through Saturday due to move-out and commencement activities at UMass Amherst.
UMass Amherst Chancellor Reyes faces criticism over handling of protests The University issued a traffic advisory over the next few days, with student move-out starting Thursday and commencement ceremonies on Friday through the weekend, including undergraduate commencement on Saturday morning.
To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, drivers are urged to remain cautious of pedestrians and adhere to all crosswalks. Police officers will be stationed in high-volume areas to regulate traffic, and their instructions should be followed.
More than 11,000 UMass students will be moving off campus this week which could cause an increase in traffic on Route 9, Route 202 Massachusetts Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue. Even more, traffic is expected on Friday, when the graduate commencement ceremony is held at 10 a.m.
Undergraduate commencement is set for this Saturday at 10 a.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, traffic on Commonwealth Avenue will be limited from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The UMass commencement speaker, Colson Whitehead, has since withdrawn from the ceremony, citing the arrests of pro-Palestinian protestors.
Local Road Closures and Traffic Pattern Changes, May 16-19
During Commencement and Senior Ceremony festivities Friday through Sunday, the following road closures will be in effect to allow buses to more easily transport guests to and from ceremonies.
University Drive will be closed:
- Friday between Massachusetts Avenue and Amity Street from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday between Massachusetts Avenue and Amity Street from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday between Massachusetts Avenue and Amity Street from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fearing Street west of Sunset Avenue will be open only to vehicles moving students out from John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Washington, Cance, Pierpont and Moore residential halls all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Rocky Hill Road east of North Maple Street will be closed Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Plainville Road will be closed to traffic at North Maple Street Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
North Pleasant Street will be closed Saturday between Eastman Lane and Massachusetts Avenue from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Traffic on Commonwealth Avenue will be limited from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Commonwealth Avenue will be closed from Holdsworth Way to Massachusetts Avenue on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visitor Parking and Shuttle Bus Information, May 17-19
Visitors to campus on Friday through Sunday for Commencement and senior recognition ceremonies are asked to park upon arrival and utilize the university’s free shuttle bus service. It is strongly recommended that visitors arrive as early as possible, allowing at least 45 minutes upon arrival on campus to park and travel by bus or walk to the events.
- Friday, May 17 – Parking shuttles will operate only between Lot 12 and Lot 25 to and from McGuirk Stadium from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. During all other times, regular weekday UMass Transit service will operate, including UMass Campus Shuttle Route 34 and Campus Shuttle Route 35 that serve most campus areas and are free to ride.
- Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 – Parking shuttles will operate in a continuous single direction, counter-clockwise loop from primary parking and campus areas to and from McGuirk Stadium, Mullins Center and other campus venues from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Visitors to campus should follow the UMass Police directed traffic routes to designated parking areas and look for nearby UMass Shuttle signage and staff. Additional buses will run directly to and from major lots and venues during peak event times. Service will operate every 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic congestion and event schedules.
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