The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is advising Richmond-area motorists to expect increased traffic congestion during upcoming graduation and commencement ceremonies in Madison County this month and next, according to a press release from KYTC District 7.

Eastern Kentucky University will hold its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum in Richmond. Motorists should expect congested traffic from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

Traffic control will be in place at key intersections including Eastern Bypass and Veterans Boulevard, Eastern Bypass and Lancaster Avenue, and Eastern Bypass and Roy & Sue Kidd Way, with officers managing traffic flow during event times.

Local high school graduations will follow later in May. Madison Central High School will graduate Friday, May 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Madison Southern High School will hold ceremonies Saturday, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place at Alumni Coliseum, according to Madison County Schools.

"Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes when possible," the transportation cabinet stated in the advisory. Motorists are also urged to use caution and watch for officers directing traffic in the area.

The cabinet recommends using GoKY or Waze on smartphones to navigate around traffic during the busy graduation season.