South Australian commuters are being urged to plan their journeys as a major part of Adelaide’s public transport network shuts down into the new year.

Adelaide’s iconic tram route to Glenelg will grind to a halt for six months from Saturday August 2, alongside other significant road closures.

The shutdown will allow works to upgrade and remove three major level crossings along the tram route in Adelaide’s inner-southwest at Morphettville, Cross Road, and South Road.

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Six-month partial Glenelg line closure

A full closure Adelaide’s entire tram network will take place all day on Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3, 2025.

Then from Monday August 4, the Glenelg tram line will remain closed between South Terrace and Moseley Square until late January.

Adelaide Metro says substitute bus services will match tram frequency and capacity, operating every 10 to 20 minutes during the day and night, and increasing to every 5 minutes during weekday peak periods.

Replacement buses will service substitute bus stops as close as possible to matching tram stops.

RAA Safety and Infrastructure Senior Manager Charles Mountain has encouraged tram commuters to pre-plan their routes to avoid delays.

“RAA is urging all Glenelg tram users to plan ahead, as trams will be disrupted while important upgrades are made over the next six months,” Mountain said.

“The replacement bus services will help tram users reach their destination, but there will likely be longer than usual travel times with modified routes and increased traffic.

A combination of all-stop, limited-stop and express bus substitute services will be in operation.

During peak travel times and major events such as sporting matches and concerts, there will be extra replacement buses to cater for demand.

Usual tram services will continue to operate as normal through Adelaide’s CBD between the South Terrace and Royal Adelaide Hospital stops and along the Botanic Gardens to Entertainment Centre line.

Three Adelaide level crossings set to be removed

The Glenelg tram line closure will allow for major works as part of the state’s Tram Grade Separation Projects which will remove three congested level crossings on Marion Road, Cross Road, and Morphett Road.

The state government says the three projects worth $870 million will make travel in the area safer, faster and easier for people who use public transport, walk, cycle or drive.

“We are committed to achieving efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians. Once complete, this project will result in better connectivity for trams, cyclists and pedestrians and less time waiting in peak-hour traffic,” Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.

“I thank users for their patience while we carry out these important works and remind them that substitute buses will operate during any tram closures.”

Mountain said: “RAA has long advocated for a grade separation of the tram crossing at Marion Road and Cross Road and we welcome the progress being made on this project.”

“Approximately 50,000 vehicles pass through the Marion Road and Cross Road level crossings each day and during the morning and afternoon peak periods, we also see around 30 trams passing through.”

There is a silver lining for impacted commuters with the level crossing projects scheduled to be finalised by late January, allowing for the Glenelg tram line to reopen in time for the 2026 school year.

Adelaide’s upcoming public transport and road closures

Adelaide motorists and commuters are urged to find alternative routes for planned closures including:

• Whole tram network (full closure): All day Saturday August 2 – Sunday August 3
• Glenelg tram line from South Terrace – Moseley Square (full closure): Monday August 4 2025 – late January 2026
• South Road between Forest Avenue and Eurilpa Avenue, Black Forest (full closure): 8pm Friday August 8 – 5am Monday August 11
• Marion Road between Cross Road and Turner Road, Plympton (full night closure): Nights only from 9pm to 5am, Saturday August 2 - Friday August 8
• Cross Road between Herbert Street and west of the tram crossing, Plympton (full night closure): Nights only from 9pm - 5am, Monday August 11 - Wednesday August 13
• Morphett Road at the Morphettville level crossing (full closure): 7pm for up to two hours on Saturday August 2
• Mike Turtur Bikeway (various closures): Will have full closures at multiple points between August 2025 and early 2026, with detours in place.