Coastal commutes, city bottlenecks and suburban junctions from north to south are getting upgrades this year. Here’s your guide to what’s happening across Adelaide – and when.
Whether you’re commuting into the city, heading west to the airport, or driving down to the beach, chances are roadworks will be part of the picture at some stage in 2026.
There are upgrades happening right across metropolitan Adelaide and down to the coast, with key intersections and arterial roads getting major improvements. These projects are designed to reduce congestion, improve safety and help the road network keep pace with new housing and growing suburbs.
You’ve probably heard about the biggest road project South Australia’s ever seen – the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project already underway south and west of the CBD. If you need a refresher, we’ve got a full guide to the T2D Project here.
But T2D isn’t the only thing changing the way Adelaide drivers get around. From coastal duplications to airport access upgrades and local safety fixes, here’s what else is happening across the south, west and north – and what it means for your drive.
Driving across the state? Check out our article on 2026 road projects in the Adelaide Hills.
South
1. Main South Road duplication: Aldinga to Sellicks Beach
If you live in Adelaide’s far south, this one’s hard to miss.
Main South Road is a major commuter route for thousands of people travelling between Aldinga, Sellicks Beach and the city. It’s also the main way many South Australians head to the coast – especially on weekends and during summer.
What’s happening?
Stage 2 of the Main South Road duplication between Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach is now complete.
The project duplicated the road to improve safety, ease congestion and make peak-hour travel more reliable as new housing continues to grow in the area.
It forms the final part of the state and federal government-funded $810 million Fleurieu Connections program, which has already delivered the duplication of Main South Road between Seaford to Aldinga, plus the duplication of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road and just before McLaren Vale.
The upgrade includes:
- Full duplication of Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach
- A new interchange at Aldinga, including an underpass at the re-aligned Aldinga Road and Aldinga Beach Road
- Realigned intersections at Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach Road
- Safety upgrades at several local intersections
- Wide centre medians and wire-rope safety barriers
- A shared-use path along the western side of Main South Road
When?
- The full duplication and underpass are now open to traffic
- While major construction is now complete, minor finishing works will still be required over the coming months, including landscaping across the project
- Speed limits will remain reduced for a few weeks to allow the road surface to develop traction for safe driving at higher speeds
How will this help?
- Faster and safer peak-hour commutes to and from the city
- Reduced congestion through Aldinga and Sellicks Beach
- Safer local access for residents
- Easier trips to the coast for weekend and holiday travel
More info and updates here.
West
2. Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Marion Road instersection: Easing a major south-west bottleneck
A gateway for thousands of people going to and from Adelaide Airport, the intersection of Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive is one of the city’s busiest – with around 60,000 vehicles moving through it every day.
It’s a key commuter route, a major freight link, and a crucial connection to Adelaide Airport.
What’s happening?
The intersection has been upgraded to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and make the area safer for everyone using it, as part of an $85 million joint state and federal investment.
The upgrade includes:
- Additional through-lanes on Sir Donald Bradman Drive
- New and extended turning lanes
- Improved pedestrian crossings at the intersection and along Marion Road
- New dedicated bicycle lanes on all approaches
- Upgraded lighting, drainage, kerbing and road surfaces
- Urban design and landscaping improvements
When?
- Major construction is now complete, with remaining minor works expected to be completed in early 2026
- Works on Mulga Street Reserve will be completed in early 2026. This will include new footpaths, park furniture, feature walls and landscaping
How will this help?
- Less time stuck in peak-hour queues
- Smoother trips to and from the airport
- Safer crossings for pedestrians
- Better conditions for cyclists using the corridor
More info and updates here.
3. James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive: A faster city commute
If you drive from South Road into the city via Sir Donald Bradman Drive or James Congdon Drive, this upgrade is designed with you in mind.
The intersection at James Congdon Drive and Sir Donald Bradman Drive is a key link between Adelaide’s west, the CBD and the airport precinct – and it’s currently being upgraded to ease congestion and improve safety.
What’s happening?
The intersection is being upgraded as part of broader network of improvements linked to the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) corridor, backed by joint state and federal funding.
The upgrade includes:
- Three new right-turn lanes from James Congdon Drive onto Sir Donald Bradman Drive
- Additional shared through and right turn lane on James Congdon Drive (southbound)
- Extra through lanes and improved turn lanes on Sir Donald Bradman Drive
- New shared-use paths and improved safety for cyclists
- Upgraded pedestrian crossings, and new wombat crossings
- Landscaping with new vegetation and streetscape improvements
When?
- Construction commenced in May 2025
- Landscaping as part of the upgraded intersection is ongoing with the project expected to be completed in the coming months
How will this help?
- Less time stuck in peak-hour traffic
- A more direct run from South Road into the city
- Safer conditions for cyclists and people walking
- Smoother airport and CBD access from the west
More info and updates here.
North
4. The Grove Way and Green Valley Drive: Safer exits from Salisbury Heights
If you use Green Valley Drive to access The Grove Way, this upgrade targets one of the more awkward right turns in the area.
What’s happening?
The junction of The Grove Way and Green Valley Drive has been upgraded to improve safety and make it easier for vehicles to turn onto The Grove Way.
The upgrade includes:
- A widened centre median to make right turns safer from Green Valley Drive
- Road widening and realigned footpaths to accommodate the wider median
- New pedestrian refuges and pram ramps on both roads
- Additional resurfacing works along The Grove Way
When?
Opened to traffic 19 December 2025, with landscaping works to be completed in early 2026.
How will this help?
- Safer and more predictable right turns
- Improved access to local roads
- Better pedestrian safety around the junction
- Smoother travel along The Grove Way
More info and updates here.
5. The Grove Way and Canterbury Drive: Easing congestion at a busy junction
Just along the same corridor, another upgrade is tackling congestion and safety issues at Canterbury Drive.
What’s happening?
The junction of The Grove Way and Canterbury Drive is being upgraded to reduce delays for vehicles exiting Canterbury Drive and improve access for buses and pedestrians.
The upgrade includes:
- A widened centre median to make right turns easier and accommodate buses
- Road widening and footpath realignment
- New pedestrian refuges and pram ramps
- Additional resurfacing works along The Grove Way
When?
Opened to traffic 19 December 2025, with minor finishing works to be completed in early 2026.
How will this help?
- Reduced congestion when exiting Canterbury Drive
- Safer turning movements
- Better access for buses
- Improved pedestrian safety
More info and updates here.
Plan ahead and stay informed
During major works, every effort will be made to minimise impacts, including traffic restrictions. However, it’s likely there will be some lane and speed restrictions in place. If you’re commuting (and your work allows), leaving a little earlier or later can help dodge peak congestion.
Even after projects are complete, it is likely there will continue to be speed restrictions in place to allow new road surfaces to develop traction for safe driving.
Stay updated on road closures and detours with:
- Traffic SA – Live updates on closures and delays.
- Department for Infrastructure and Transport – Project details and timelines.
- Google Maps and Waze – Real-time traffic conditions and detour suggestions.
