The Adelaide 500 road closures are causing greater traffic delays than expected. According to the RAA, data from Day 1 of the closures shows that median travel times on key roads east of the CBD more than doubled during the morning peak period.
On Friday, several busy roads were slower than they were during last year’s closures. On Payneham Road (between Glynburn and Hackney Road), the median travel time jumped to over 40 minutes, up from 32 minutes on the first day of closures in 2023. Normally, the same trip takes just 17 minutes during the morning peak.
Some drivers faced delays of an hour or more, so motorists are reminded that the median travel time is just an average, and some trips may take significantly longer during peak times.
RAA analysis shows that the roads most impacted by the closures are seeing much slower travel times than usual. Delays during peak periods are also lasting longer than expected, with the “Slow Zone” in Adelaide now stretching until almost 10am, compared to 9am at other times of the year.
“The first day of road closures is often the slowest as drivers adjust to the changed traffic conditions but the impact at the start of this year was even worse than usual,” RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says.
“Motorists should be aware that this area is impacted by additional peak period delays from 7:30am until after 9:30am, so avoid travelling at that time if you possibly can.
“We recommend drivers consider catching public transport or cycling if that’s an option for them, to lessen the impact of traffic delays.”
While most of the closures will finish on Tuesday November 19th, some key roads, including Wakefield Road and East Terrace, will remain closed until 6am on Thursday November 21st.
For a full list of road closures, motorists can visit the City of Adelaide’s website.
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