Traffic Advisory for UMass Student Move-in Next Week
Photo: umass.edu
UMass Amherst Fall 2026 assisted move-in takes place from Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 4, bringing traffic delays to campus and surrounding thoroughfares like Route 9 and Route 116. Multiple road closures, one-way patterns, and restricted routes are active daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the September 2–4 move-in window.
Key Move-In Dates
- Assisted Move-In: September 2 – September 4, 2026 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Early Arrival / Unassisted Days: August 31 (Early arrival), September 5–7
- First Day of Classes: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 [1]
More information.
Traffic & Travel Advice
- Do Not Use GPS: Standard GPS apps do not know about temporary UMass road closures and detours. Follow official printed campus directions and directional signage instead.
- Commuter / Local Warning: Commuters should avoid using the UMass exit on Route 116 and expect heavy congestion if entering campus via North Pleasant Street.
Full Closures
University Drive
Closed in both directions between Amity Street and Massachusetts Avenue. This stretch is restricted to move-in traffic only.
Eastman Lane
Closed completely to through traffic. Drivers heading to the East Check-In at Lot 44 must detour through North Residential Drive.
One-Way Adjustments & Detours
Sunset Avenue
Sunset Avenue’s shift to one way southbound begins Monday, August 31, 2026 (from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) to accommodate early-arriving student traffic and will continue Sept 2-4.
Fearing Street
Modified to one-way traveling eastbound starting from University Drive.
Hicks Way
Restricted to westbound traffic only to manage the Commonwealth Honors College residential area.
Major Traffic Bottlenecks
North Pleasant Street
Expect extreme delays; local drivers are urged to avoid this campus entrance entirely.
Mass Ave
Heavy backups occur near the stadium and exit ramps due to incoming West Campus traffic.