Temporary closures for Adelaide Metro rail network to allow for testing and training

Adelaide trains will grind to a halt for the start of Fringe while vital work is done on the Gawler line – but there will be free travel on buses and trams.

A full train network closure will occur on Fringe opening weekend, from Saturday, February 19 at 1am to last service on Sunday, February 20 to allow for testing and training.

Adelaide Metro will operate substitute bus services to all stations during the closure warning travellers to allow for more time. The substitute bus stops will be located close to the railway stations.

Despite the closure, free public transport will be available on weekends to and from the city from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, March 20.

Trains will grind to a halt this weekend. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The free ADLOOP tram service will be back for the festival season operating on Friday and Saturday nights each weekend and on Sunday night during the Adelaide Cup long weekend.

For substitute bus timetables during the train network closure please visit Adelaide Metro.

The Greens have said that although free public transport over the festival season is welcome, it should not be limited to weekends only.

“Ongoing free public transport to and from the city, all week round, would boost city visitation, helping struggling businesses while helping our environment by reducing carbon emissions,” said Greens spokeperson for Transport, Robert Simms MLC.

The closure is a result of the much-delayed Gawler Rail Electrification Project, a jointly funded project with the Australian and South Australian governments for the electrification and modernisation of the Gawler rail line.

This project is set to deliver faster, cleaner and more reliable services.

Last month, the state government revealed that April was the planned start date for services. But Transport Department head Tony Braxton-Smith only hours later appeared before the Parliamentary Budget and Finance Committee and said full services may not commence until May because of delays in securing qualified electric train drivers due to Covid-19 issues..