SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - If you’re planning to drive through Amherst this week, you might want to leave a little early or find a new route.

UMass Amherst is gearing up for commencement weekend and that means thousand of people are descending on the campus. Between students moving out and graduates moving in, traffic is expected to be a major headache.

The university is closing for regular business on Friday to make room for the 156th Undergraduate Commencement at McGuirk Stadium.

Staff who have to come in are being told to expect street closures and heavy traffic. Police will be at every major intersection and they’re telling drivers, don’t try to cut through campus. Detours will be in place and pedestrian traffic will be at an all-time high.

If you live near campus, even a quick errand run this week could take twice as long.

Heavy traffic is expected to last through Sunday as individual colleges hold their own ceremonies.

For thousands of families, this weekend is one of the biggest moments of their lives. For everyone else in Amherst, check the maps before you go and treat Friday like a major holiday. Expect delays everywhere.

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