A two week calming trial, or an attempt to lessen traffic in the neighborhoods around Southwest and the center of campus, culminated Wednesday, with the town of Amherst recording traffic data to determine the trial’s efficacy.

The trial began September, 8, and saw cement barriers put up obstructing half of Lincoln and Sunset Avenues, making it impossible to enter the streets from Fearing St., a main thoroughfare through Southwest. The barriers close half of each lane and force people coming from either side of Lincoln or Sunset to turn onto Fearing, as well.

On September 15, McClure Street and Sunset Court were entirely closed to through traffic.

Because Fearing St. was diverting traffic back to Massachusetts Avenue, down to University Drive, and east back towards Amherst Center, UMass Police were set to be monitoring the affected roadways carefully.

“We’re prepared for additional traffic and will have officers direct traffic, if necessary,” Deputy Chief Patrick Archibald said in a release.

To comment on the traffic diversion, e-mail publicworks@amherstma.gov and put “traffic calming comments” in the subject heading.

-Collegian Staff