NOTE: This web page is archived for the Class of 2003. To see the Commencement site for this year's class, click here.

Driving to UMass Amherst

TRAFFIC DELAYS
Traffic into the greater Amherst area may be heavy as early as 8 a.m. on Commencement Day, so plan accordingly and listen for traffic updates on WMUA 91.1 FM. Major construction is under way on the Coolidge Bridge on Route 9, off I-91 Exit 19. This is the most common route to UMass from I-91, but because of construction-related traffic delays visitors are advised to consider other routes.

PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICES
To improve traffic flow, lots will be filled from central points outward. Your parking location will be determined by where and when you enter campus. University police will direct vehicles to designated parking lots. Note your lot number and spot location. Free shuttle buses will make frequent runs to and from the stadium. We suggest allowing 30 minutes to park and travel to the stadium.

Recreational Vehicle Parking is available on request. Contact the
Commencement office for more information: (413) 577-1101.

ROUTES TO CAMPUS
See below for directions to UMass Amherst from all directions:

From the South, Via I-91 North
Travelers have a choice of two routes:

• Off Exit 19 in Northampton: (See “Traffic Delays,” above.) From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9 and go approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit.
• Off Exit 24 in Deerfield: At the stop sign at the top of the ramp, turn right (north) onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116, and immediately turn right again at the traffic lights onto Route 116 South. Continue 8 miles to the next UMass exit.

From the North, Via I-91 South
Follow I-91 to Exit 25 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Go one mile, turn left onto Route 116 South and follow it eight miles to the UMass exit.

From the North, Via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

From the East or West, Via I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

• Off Exit 8 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
• Off Exit 7 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
• Off Exit 5 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.
• Off Exit 4 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. (See “From the South, Via I-91 North,” above.)