Friday Traffic Alert: Heavy Evening Congestion Expected for WOMADelaide and Fringe

Friday Morning Commute: Steady but Building

Commuters heading into the Adelaide CBD this morning can expect relatively stable conditions during the early peak. However, as the "Mad March" festival season continues in full swing, traffic volumes on major corridors like Torrens Road, Anzac Highway, and War Memorial Drive remain higher than the seasonal average. Commuters are advised to allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes for their morning journey to account for increased general activity and localized bottlenecks.

Evening Alert: Major Festival Closures

The Friday evening commute will be significantly impacted by the simultaneous start of WOMADelaide and ongoing Fringe Festival celebrations. Major road closures in the East End and surrounding parklands will begin as early as 2:00 pm, which is expected to create heavy congestion on North Terrace, Pulteney Street, and Grenfell Street during the afternoon rush.

• Hyde Street: This thoroughfare is closed from 2:00 pm today through to Monday morning to accommodate the Rhino Room Fringe Street Party.
• East End Closures: Rundle Street (between Frome Street and East Terrace), Bent Street, and Vardon Avenue will be closed to all traffic starting at 4:00 pm.
• Frome Street: Restrictions between Tavistock Lane and Sym Choon Lane will commence at 5:00 pm.
• Rundle Road: A total closure between East Terrace and Dequetteville Terrace will be in place from 6:30 pm tonight.

With WOMADelaide kicking off at Botanic Park, motorists should prepare for heavy pedestrian activity and slow-moving traffic along Hackney Road and Frome Road. Drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid the north-eastern corner of the CBD after 3:00 pm if they are not attending the festivities.

South Road and T2D Project Restrictions

Work continues on the North-South Corridor with specific restrictions for Friday commuters. At the intersection of South Road, Ashwin Parade, and West Thebarton Road, right-hand turns are strictly prohibited during peak hours (7:00 am to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Additionally, a new detour is being implemented at West Thebarton Road and Phillips Street starting today.

For those travelling late tonight, Manton Street in Hindmarsh will be subject to a detour and stop closures starting from 8:30 pm to facilitate essential infrastructure upgrades.

Public Transport and Regional Updates

Adelaide Metro has confirmed several bus stop changes for today. Notable disruptions include the closure of Stop 8 on Hawker Street (south side) and service changes at Stop 32 Port Road. Commuters in the northern suburbs should note that stop closures on Woodford Road (Elizabeth North) and Henderson Avenue (Pooraka) are scheduled to conclude by the end of today's shift.

In the Adelaide Hills, Torrens Valley Road is undergoing asphalting between Cuddlee Creek and Gumeracha. While day works are intermittent between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, a full night closure will be in effect from 7:30 pm tonight until 6:00 am Saturday morning.