Work on Pedestrian Safety Measures Under Way on Campus

The UMass Amherst campus has been working in recent months with a consulting firm to analyze pedestrian safety, including improvements at crosswalks, sidewalks and intersections. Implementation of the near-term recommendations started this week.

The majority of the work is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of the fall semester. There are a number of improvements at crosswalks along our four-lane roads — Commonwealth and Massachusetts avenues.  The work will include raised crosswalks; textured pavement inlay and ADA curb cuts at crosswalks; reflectorized, thermoplastic paint markings; and flashing pedestrian beacons. Signage and landscaping will be modified to improve sight lines. 

Starting this week, traffic is being reduced to one lane with police details as needed. Please allow more time to travel along these routes in the coming weeks. The only detour expected is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Sunset Avenue. The entrance to Sunset Avenue when heading eastbound on Massachusetts Avenue will be closed. The exit from Sunset Avenue onto Massachusetts Avenue eastbound will remain open. See site plan image for more information.

In addition, effective Wednesday, Aug. 10, the entrance and exit at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Sunset Avenue will be temporarily closed. Vehicles should use North Hadley Road traveling northbound on Sunset Avenue to access parking lot 32. The detour is expected to end Monday, Aug. 22.  These closures are required for hardscape improvements to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Sunset Avenue.