Tram services between the city and Glenelg will resume from tomorrow, following six months of rapid construction on the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments' $870 million Tram Grade Separation Projects.
Following weeks of rigorous testing and driver training, trams are now ready to welcome passengers back on board from Monday morning 26 January 2026.
Jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments on a 50:50 basis, the projects removed level crossings at three busy intersections with the construction of new overpasses at Morphett Road and Marion Road/Cross Road.
The existing overpass at South Road has also been rebuilt to integrate with the lowered motorway being delivered as part of the Torrens to Darlington project.
40,000 tram commuters will now be able to use the Glenelg line weekly, as well as the thousands of motorists already enjoying uninterrupted, faster journeys via the underpasses.
Before these level crossings were removed, boom gates were down during peak hours for up to 20 minutes per hour, affecting approximately 50,000 vehicles each day at Marion Road and Cross Road, and approximately 25,600 per day at Morphett Road.
The project has supported 1,115 jobs during construction.
Since major works began in August 2025, crews poured more than 15,200 cubic metres of concrete, installed more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, laid over 6,300 tonnes of asphalt, lifted 92 Super T beams into place and installed 6,540 metres of new tram rail.
As part of the project, 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.
Upgrades at the intersections include new dedicated and through lanes, improved lighting and drainage, fresh asphalt, upgraded kerbing and gutters, and new line marking, delivering safer and smoother journeys.
Construction of the elevated shared use paths along the Mike Turtur Bikeway is also progressing well and will open in stages during 2026 with existing pedestrian and cyclist detours remaining in place while works continue.
Final works on the new Glenelg line tram stops will continue after the return of service.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The days of waiting behind boom gates at Morphett, Marion and Cross Road are now history, with Adelaide's trams now gliding over traffic on three beautiful new bridges.
"The new bridges will mean smoother rides for passengers and a better experience for drivers, with fewer level crossings bringing them to a stop at peak hour.
"It's a big step forward for safety and delivering a more efficient public transport and road network for Adelaide."
Quotes attributable to the Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas:
"The return of tram services between the city and Glenelg marks a significant step forward for our transport network, improving how we travel across the city.
"Critically, this means that your trams are back running in time for the school year as promised, so that students and families can return to their normal regular commute.
"I know that the thousands of South Australian drivers who regularly use Marion, Cross and Morphett Roads have also been enjoying faster and smoother trips since the three level crossings were removed."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke:
"During our testing and driver training our drivers have told us how smooth the journey is along the new tracks and over the new overpasses, and I can't wait for our passengers to experience it.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in the project for their tireless work to have tram services resume less than six months after services temporarily closed in August last year.
"I also want to thank the wider community for being so patient and understanding during these works.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost:
"It's fantastic to see this tram line reopen after a major upgrade!
"Before these improvements, at peak times, boom gates were stopping traffic for up to 20 minutes every hour.
"These new overpasses will make such a difference to locals who travel both by tram and by car across my electorate.
"This would not have been possible without our state and federal Labor governments working together."
