Adelaide 500 traffic already worse than 2023
The first day of the Adelaide 500 road closures saw traffic delays increase by seven times in some areas at peak time, with the impact already more significant than in 2023.
Road closures began last Friday ahead of the Adelaide 500, with several of Adelaide’s busiest roads already seeing an increased delay compared to last year.
Travel time on Payneham Road between Glynburn and Hackney Road was up to 40 minutes on Friday, an increase from the 32-minute median time on the first Friday of 2023’s closures.
The median travel time in peak traffic on the road when not impacted by closures is 17 minutes.
Graphic: James Taylor
The largest increase was seen on the Parade West/Rundle Street, from Fullarton Road to Dequetteville Terrace, which saw a 28-minute travel time, compared to 15 minutes on the same Friday last year and just four minutes on a typical morning.
Magill Road from Glynburn Road to Fullarton Road saw a 37-minute median travel time, compared to 34 minutes last year and 12 minutes without closures.
Adelaide’s peak hour ‘Slow Zone’ during the Adelaide 500 road closures. Map: RAARAA said peak traffic should be expected to continue until around 10 am, with delays expected until November 19.
“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 for safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said.
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Road closures map by the Adelaide City Council.“Motorists should be aware that this area is impacted by additional peak period delays from 7:30 am until after 9:30 am, 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.”
