Motorists advised to leave home earlier as Adelaide 500 closures cause traffic build-up

The Adelaide 500 is finally here – which means commuters’ traffic headaches will ramp up another level. As always, the advice is to leave home earlier. See which roads to avoid.

Traffic delays will ramp up for commuters along CBD and inner eastern suburbs roads as the VALO Adelaide 500 returns today for the first time since 2019

Road closures are now fully in place. Significant portions of Wakefield Rd and East Tce have been shut, causing delays for people on their morning commute.

Major thoroughfares including Hutt St and Fullarton Rd will be affected as closures are put in place until after the end of the Adelaide 500 on December 8.

The RAA said Portrush Rd, Glen Osmond Rd and Unley Rd are also impacted.

A spokesperson for the association told ABC Radio Adelaide residual delays would take time to defuse throughout the network.

The added headaches will continue for the rest of the week with the most intense periods expected to be between 8am and 8.30am.

Peak hour traffic chaos on Rundle Street amid road closures for the Adelaide 500. Picture: Ben Clark

Motorists were also banked up on North Tce in Kent Town. Picture: Ben Clark

Many businesses are already starting to feel the impact of the event, Roz Chow from House of Chow on Hutt St said.

“People aren’t going to come into this area because it’s impossible to access it,” Ms Chow, who is helping with the transition after selling the business, said.

One owner, whose premises is surrounded by the closed Nil Street and blocked portions of Hutt and Wakefield Streets, is considering closing for the duration of the event.

VALO Adelaide 500 road closures map. Picture: Department of Infrastructure and Transport

“I suppose we are just the unlucky one at the corner,” Wen Khaw, owner of restaurant Bai Long Store said.

Restaurant owners are preparing for the worst case scenario Ms Khaw said.

“We will be running at a loss for at least two weeks around the race as no one will come into our restaurant,” she said.

“We are far better off shutting the business during that period.”

The state opposition party has also voiced their worries over the traffic disturbances caused by the event.

Liberal Member for Bragg Jack Batty said that Adelaide 500 road closures will have a significant impact on the eastern suburbs.

“While the return of the Adelaide 500 is celebrated by some, I share my community’s concern about the race’s impact on our area,” he said.

“The extension of road closures this year is disappointing and highlights how the process of reinstating the race is being rushed and leaves eastern suburbs residents severely impacted.”

Morning traffic during the Adelaide 500 on the corner of Portrush Rd and Greenhill Rd in 2020. Picture: Simon Cross

Yet representatives of the Adelaide 500 maintain that car racing, which has run on the CBD circuit since 1985 at first with the Formula One, is a net positive for the state.

Organisers have highlighted the quality of the Adelaide event which draws attention to the city.

“The VALO Adelaide 500 is a world class event run on a picturesque street circuit that showcases our city to potential visitors all over the world,” a VALO Adelaide 500 spokesperson said.

“With these benefits come disruptions to those who live, work and commute near the event precinct,” the spokesperson said.

“As always, we thank residents and commuters in advance for their understanding and co-operation as we prepare for the event and hope that they will come and join the excitement.”

The cars will begin tearing down the 3.2km CBD track at about 9am on Thursday December 1.