South Road Traffic Switch and Adelaide Cup Delays Expected Today

Adelaide Cup Day: Public Holiday Schedules and Major Diversions

Today, Monday, 9 March 2026, marks the Adelaide Cup public holiday in South Australia. While general commuter traffic will be lighter than a typical Monday morning, significant roadworks and major event-related closures across the metropolitan area will impact travel times. The combination of 'Mad March' festivals and critical infrastructure projects means motorists should plan for localized delays in the CBD and the western suburbs.

Major Infrastructure: T2D South Road Traffic Switch

The most significant disruption today is the major traffic switch for the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project in Torrensville. Motorists are advised of the following critical changes affecting the North-South corridor:

• South Road Realignment: Northbound traffic on South Road between Ashley Street and Ashwin Parade has been shifted onto a new alignment. Drivers will notice a slight westward curve as they approach the Brickworks Marketplace before reconnecting with the existing roadway.
• West Thebarton Road Closure: This road remains fully closed to all traffic for essential service relocation until 7:00 am on Tuesday, 10 March. Detours are in place via Port Road.
• Turning Restrictions: New permanent turning restrictions are in place. Motorists travelling north on South Road can no longer turn right onto West Thebarton Road. Right-turn restrictions from Ashwin Parade onto South Road also remain active during peak windows.

Adelaide Cup and Festival Traffic

With thousands expected to attend the Adelaide Cup and the final day of WOMADelaide, heavy congestion is anticipated in the following zones:

• Morphettville: Expect high traffic volumes on Anzac Highway and Morphett Road near the Morphettville Racecourse. Racegoers are encouraged to use public transport to avoid peak congestion between 10:00 am and 6:30 pm.
• Botanic Park: Heavy delays are likely on Hackney Road, Frome Road, and Botanic Road due to the conclusion of WOMADelaide. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the North-Eastern city fringe if they are not attending the event.
• East End: Rundle Road and sections of East Terrace remain closed to accommodate Fringe Festival hubs. This continues to affect traffic flow on Bartels Road and Dequetteville Terrace.

Public Transport Alerts

Adelaide Metro is operating on a Sunday/Public Holiday timetable today. Commuters and event-goers should note the following:

• Event Shuttles: Dedicated bus shuttles are running for WOMADelaide attendees, and additional services may be active for the Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.
• Tram Services: All tram lines are operational, including the Glenelg and Botanic Garden lines, though high passenger volumes are expected throughout the afternoon.
• Stop Relocations: Due to the T2D works in Torrensville, several bus stops near the South Road and Ashwin Parade intersection have been temporarily moved or closed.