Traffic changes planned for May 16 commencement
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
5/8/09
HAMMOND -- Motorists and visitors planning to attend Southeastern Louisiana University’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, should anticipate heavy traffic and route changes affecting University Avenue (Hwy. 3234) between Interstate 55 and North Cherry Street.
Congressman Steve Scalise will address more than 1,100 students receiving associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the 10 a.m. ceremony in the University Center.
Mike Prescott, director of University Police, said the section of University Avenue between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive will be restricted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day. Local traffic will be allowed to proceed on University Avenue for as long as possible, but will be diverted through the campus as congestion increases.
Prior to commencement, the University Center parking areas are expected to be filled early, and all traffic on University Avenue will be diverted. Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Tornado Drive for parking at the University Center, and westbound commencement traffic will be diverted to the campus at SGA Drive.
Three Southeastern Lion Traxx Shuttle Busses and several golf carts will be in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate those parking in outlying areas or needing special transportation assistance, Prescott said.
Drivers not attending commencement are asked to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid University Avenue traffic.
Southeastern students wishing to return rental textbooks that day should wait until after 2 p.m. to do so.
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