What Guests Need to Know:
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. Travelers can expect significant delays to begin an hour or so prior to the ceremony. Road closures and detours may be necessary to facilitate traffic flow to and from campus between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Many police officers will be assigned to traffic details. Please be extra patient during this time. Construction is under way on Route 9, off I-91 Exit 19, the most common route to UMass from I-91. Visitors are therefore advised to consider other routes. Certain approaches to campus may be closed to traffic; if they are, advance notice will be posted at MassTraveler.com and the traffic information line at 413-549-7842. Any detours will be marked with signs.

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 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday. We suggest allowing 40 minutes to park and travel to the stadium. If you are attending an event before or after the main Commencement ceremony, please use the shuttle buses and do not attempt to move your vehicle to a different parking lot.

Routes to Campus

See Directions to UMass Amherst.

Questions about Commencement? Contact us

This page is maintained by University Advancement Communications.

© 2007 University of Massachusetts Amherst • Amherst, MA 01003