Major CBD Road Closures and Long Weekend Delays Expected This Saturday

Festival Season Impacts Traffic in the CBD

Commuters and festival-goers should prepare for significant road closures and increased traffic volume today, Saturday, 7 March 2026, as the Adelaide Cup long weekend hits its stride. With both the Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide in full swing, the East End and areas surrounding Botanic Park will experience the heaviest congestion.

East End Road Closures

The City of Adelaide has confirmed several major road closures to support the 'East End Unleashed' festival activities and the Ebenezer Night Markets. Drivers are advised to avoid the following areas from this afternoon:

• Rundle Street and East Terrace: Closed from 5:00 pm until midnight.
• Ebenezer Place: Closed from 2:30 pm until midnight for the night markets.
• Union Street: Closed between Rundle Street and Sym Choon Lane from 4:00 pm.
• Hyde Street: Remaining closed between Pirie Street and Stockley Alley for the Rhino Room Street Party.
• Frome Street: Localized closures and detours will be in place between Tavistock Lane and Sym Choon Lane.

WOMADelaide and Public Transport Alerts

With WOMADelaide drawing thousands to Botanic Park today, Adelaide Metro is operating a dedicated bus shuttle service. For those attending, the Botanic Gardens tram stop and bus stops along Frome Road and Hackney Road are the primary drop-off points. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no on-site parking at Botanic Park.

Commuters using the regular bus network should note the following detours currently in place due to infrastructure works:

• Blakeview: Stop closures and detours continue on Craigmore Road.
• Fairview Park: Detours remain in effect on Yatala Vale Road until early April.
• Edwardstown: Stop changes are active near the intersection of Blackburn Avenue.

Major Arterial Work: South Road Upgrades

Construction continues on the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project. While major rolling closures for tunnel boring machine parts occurred earlier in the month, localized night works and temporary restrictions remain active at the intersection of South Road, Raglan Avenue, and Edward Street. Motorists should expect reduced speed limits and potential lane merging in this zone.

Police Operation: Safe Long Weekend

South Australia Police have launched 'Operation Safe Long Weekend,' which includes a high-visibility presence across metropolitan and regional roads. Expect mobile drug and alcohol testing units and increased patrols targeting the 'Fatal Five' road safety factors. Drivers heading out of the city toward regional holiday destinations are urged to allow extra travel time due to the high volume of traffic expected on the South Eastern Freeway and Northern Expressway.