Full Tram Network Shutdown and Major South Road Delays This Thursday

Commuter Alert: Full Tram Network Shutdown

Adelaide commuters face a significantly altered journey this Thursday, April 2, 2026, as the entire passenger tram network begins a scheduled multi-day closure. The shutdown, affecting the Glenelg, Botanic Gardens, and Festival Plaza lines, is required for critical finishing works on the Tram Grade Separation Projects. Authorities have confirmed that these works cannot be performed while the network is operational.

• Substitute bus services (GLN1 and BTAN1) are operating from first service this morning, replacing all tram movements between Moseley Square, the Entertainment Centre, and the Botanic Gardens.
• Substitute buses are scheduled to run approximately every 10 minutes during daylight hours and every 15 to 20 minutes in the evening to match standard tram frequency.
• Commuters are advised to allow at least 15 to 20 minutes of additional travel time, as substitute buses are subject to standard road traffic conditions and may experience delays during peak periods.

Major Roadworks and South Road Restrictions

The North-South Corridor continues to be the site of significant traffic management as the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project enters a new phase of construction. Several new and ongoing restrictions will impact the morning and afternoon commute today.

• South Road Stop 7: The east-side bus stop is officially closed starting today, Thursday, April 2. Commuters should check local signage for the nearest alternative boarding point.
• Peak Hour Turn Bans: Strictly enforced right-hand turn prohibitions remain in place at the intersections of West Thebarton Road and Ashwin Parade onto South Road. These bans are active from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Southern Precinct Speed Limits: A mandatory 40 km/h speed limit is in effect near Clovelly Park to ensure the safety of crews working on the Tunnel Boring Machine launch sites.
• Intersection Upgrades: Works at the intersection of Marion Road and Anzac Highway continue to cause detours and stop closures, which are expected to persist through the remainder of the week.

Police Operation: Safe Holidays

With the Easter long weekend beginning, South Australia Police have officially launched "Operation Safe Holidays" as of this morning. Drivers should expect a high-visibility police presence across the metropolitan area and on all major outbound highways, including the South Eastern Freeway and the North-South Motorway. Officers are specifically targeting speeding and distracted driving. Motorists are urged to be patient as holiday traffic is expected to increase significantly starting from midday today.

For those using northern routes, be aware that stop closures on Gorge Road and Fiveash Drive are also scheduled to conclude today, which may cause minor localized congestion as work sites are packed down.