Tram services to Glenelg are on track to resume by the end of the month, with testing of the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Government's $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects underway.
With the new overpasses in place and the tracks re-laid, test trams are running between South Terrace and Mosley Square to ensure all infrastructure and systems are operating safely before passenger services return.
Once testing is complete, driver training will begin to ensure all tram drivers are familiar with the new overpasses, signalling and tram stops as they prepare to transport passengers once services resume before school returns.
As part of the work program the entire tram network will need to be closed on Saturday 17 January, and again on 23 and 24 January 2026 to allow final preparations to be completed as we move closer to welcoming passengers back on board.
During the full tram network closure, 381 substitute buses on the Saturdays and 515 on Friday will replace all tram services between the Moseley Square, Entertainment Centre and Botanic Gardens tram stops.
This includes additional bus services for the Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory game at Coopers Stadium, as well as the Adelaide Strikers clash against Melbourne Renegades at Adelaide Oval.
The Glenelg tram line has been upgraded as part of the Tram Grade Separation Projects to build two new overpasses - one over Morphett Road and another over Marion and Cross roads - and also rebuilding the South Road Tram Overpass to accommodate the River Torrens to Darlington Project lowered-motorway.
The project included the removal of three level crossings with boom gates that previously were down during peak hours for up to 20 minutes per hour. This has improved traffic flow for approximately 50,000 vehicles each day at Marion Road and Cross Road, and approximately 25,600 per day at Morphettville Road.
During the partial tram line closure, buses have replaced trams between South Terrace and Moseley Square, connecting with trams arriving and departing at the South Terrace tram stop. Express and limited stop bus services have also operated between Glenelg and the CBD. This will continue until the return of the full tram line services.
As part of the Tram Grade Separation Projects, the intersections of Marion Road and Cross Road, Marion Road and Anzac Highway, and Morphett Road and Anzac Highway are also being upgraded.
These works will continue and once complete later this year, will further improve road safety across the network and ease traffic congestion.
The $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects have been jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments and have supported more than 1,115 full time jobs during construction.
As put by Emily Bourke
The start of test trams is an exciting milestone for this project, and an important step forward toward trams returning for passenger services before school returns.
This is an $870 million project and the testing is an essential process to ensure every part of this upgraded line operates safely and reliably.
We apologise for the inconvenience of the full tram network closure but have scheduled hundreds of substitute bus services to operate during the closure.
As put by Jayne Stinson, Member for Badcoe
A lot of us locals have got used to the trams being absent and we've been crossing without needing to look both ways first.
It's important everyone knows to again watch out for trams - whether you're on foot, on a bike, or driving across a level crossing.
Trams are testing both day and night - so be alert!
We want to make sure everyone remains safe and sound and can celebrate the return of the trams with us very soon!
