AMHERST – Congestion on some Amherst roads is likely Friday as thousands of visitors arrive in town to celebrate the University of Massachusetts commencement.
But many of the traffic issues, especially for those who live and work in town, have been reduced in recent years, which is appreciated by the business community, said Jerry Guidera, interim executive director of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce.
“Over the past couple of years, it has improved,” Guidera said.
Still, Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone said people driving near the UMass campus Friday afternoon should expect some delays, even though he anticipates these to be minimal, so long as people follow directions provided by UMass.
The 90-minute undergraduate commencement ceremony for 5,500 students begins at 4:30 p.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium and will be held rain or shine.
University Drive between Amity Street and Massachusetts Avenue, and North Pleasant Street between Eastman Lane and Massachusetts Avenue, will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. Friday.
Information on the UMass website suggests guests arrive by 2:30 p.m. to get seating. “Please allow plenty of travel time to reach campus, park, and arrive at the stadium. Traffic into Amherst may be heavy on Commencement Day, May 6, 2016, so plan accordingly. Expect significant delays to begin two hours before the ceremony.”
This is the sixth year commencement has been held on a Friday afternoon.
UMass spokesman Edward Blaguszewksi said traffic is reduced, in part, by many university employees working only a half a day before being sent home. That also frees up the parking lots for those attending commencement.
Guidera said the schedule of events is staggered, with senior recognition events held both Friday and Saturday, which cuts down on all visitors leaving Amherst at the same time.
The ceremony for graduate students is at 9 a.m. Friday at the Mullins Center.
In the past, the one concern Livingstone said he has heard is from businesses on University Drive, including Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant and The Hangar Pub & Grill, after the road was shut down at Route 9. But Livingstone said for several years traffic is only blocked off north of the intersection with Amity Street.
“University Drive will be open for business on Friday,” Livingstone said.
He also does not envision those who come to shop and dine in Amherst center to have any problems getting around by car or on foot.
“Downtown should be operating as normal,” Livingstone said.
The options for sit-down dining, though, may be limited throughout Friday evening, as parents and families have already made reservations at popular restaurants.
“It’s known to be one of the hardest weekends to get a table at an Amherst restaurant,” Guidera said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
