Fringe Closures and South Road Traffic Switch to Impact Friday Commute

Adelaide Traffic and Commute Update: Friday, 13 March 2026

Commuters in Adelaide should prepare for a busy Friday on the roads as the festival season continues to draw large crowds to the CBD. While the morning rush is expected to follow typical patterns, significant road alignment changes in the western suburbs and evening festival closures will require careful planning for the afternoon and weekend transition.

Major Roadworks and T2D Traffic Switch

The primary focus for commuters in the western suburbs remains the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project. Following the recent March long weekend traffic switch, a section of South Road in Torrensville between Ashley Street and West Thebarton Road is now operating on a new alignment. Motorists should be aware of the following ongoing restrictions:

• Peak Hour Turning Bans: There are no right turns permitted onto South Road from West Thebarton Road or Ashwin Parade during peak periods (7:00 am to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).
• Permanent Restrictions: Motorists traveling north on South Road are no longer permitted to turn right into West Thebarton Road at any time.
• Gallipoli Underpass: The off-ramp between Anzac Highway and Eurilpa Avenue in Everard Park remains reduced to a single lane as part of utility relocation and widening works.

Festival Season and CBD Road Closures

With the Adelaide Fringe in full swing, several major road closures will take effect today to accommodate weekend festivities. Commuters leaving the city after 2:00 pm should expect increased congestion in the East End.

• Hyde Street: Fully closed between Stockley Alley and Pirie Street from 2:00 pm today until Sunday morning for the Rhino Room Fringe Street Party.
• East End Unleashed: Major closures including Rundle Street, East Terrace, and portions of Frome Street will begin at 5:00 pm today. These roads will remain closed until midnight to provide safe pedestrian access to Fringe venues.
• Botanic Park: As WOMADelaide pack-down continues, Plane Tree Drive remains restricted today but is scheduled to return to normal access by this evening.

Public Transport Alerts

Adelaide Metro has announced several service changes effective today. Bus commuters should check their specific routes for stop relocations:

• Adelaide Road: A permanent stop change for Stop 62 Adelaide Road (West Side) commences today, Friday, 13 March. This affects a wide range of services including the 801, 835, 860F, and T800 series.
• Festival Detours: Due to the 5:00 pm East End closures, multiple bus routes will be diverted from Grenfell Street and Rundle Street. Passengers are encouraged to use the Botanic Gardens tram stop or alternative stops on Bartels Road.
• West Thebarton Road: Bus routes 286, 287, and 288 continue to follow detours due to the South Road construction project.

Motorists are advised to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for travel through the CBD and Torrensville corridors during the afternoon peak.