This year an estimated 25,000 people swarmed Franklin Street for the festivities, down from last year's 50,000.
By 8 p.m. officials had diverted traffic for a 1 1/2 mile radius around the downtown area to alleviate traffic problems and help regulate the festivities.
Alcohol Law Enforcement officers, dressed in street clothes, made 43 arrests on 54 charges.
The ALE officers assisted 315 officers from 15 different agencies including Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham to ensure that revelers followed the stricter regulations.
ALE spokeswoman Sara Kempin said most of the arrests were "cite and releases," though there were some bigger charges.
Kempin said that although the most common charge was alcohol possession -- 28 total -- people also were arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of fake identification and violations of town ordinances, such as destruction of property.
Police set up barriers at all affected intersections, and only designated people were allowed to drive in the area.
Chapel Hill police spokeswoman Jane Cousins said "the barricades kept vehicles from getting downtown," and she added that officials were pleased at the number of people who opted to walk to Franklin Street.
More than five decontamination areas were stationed along Franklin Street. Each area consisted of clusters of orange bins used to hold seized items. Officers filled the orange bins with swords, pitchforks and play guns -- all of which were items that violated restrictions. At these designated areas, police also searched people's bags, and if necessary, costumes.
