O'Connell Street Revitalisation
Project Status
Construction
About the project
The City of Adelaide is revitalising O’Connell Street to create a safer, greener and more welcoming main street for residents, businesses and visitors.
As one of North Adelaide’s key main streets, O’Connell Street plays an important role in supporting local businesses, community life and movement through the precinct. The revitalisation will enhance the public realm through upgrades to footpaths, lighting, landscaping, street furniture and greening, creating a more attractive and accessible street environment.
The project is designed to support a vibrant main street experience, improve pedestrian amenity, and create a more welcoming environment for people to walk, visit and spend time in North Adelaide, while respecting the established character of the area.
The revitalisation will be delivered in stages to help manage impacts while these improvements are completed.
O'Connell Street Revitalisation Project Updates
Current construction works
Construction is underway on the western side of O’Connell Street between Archer Street and Tynte Street, as part of the next stage of the O’Connell Street Revitalisation.
Works are expected to be completed prior to Christmas, subject to weather and unexpected site conditions.
Current works – September 2026
Kerbing works are progressing along the western side of O’Connell Street between Tynte Street and Chapel Street.
From 7 September, works will also progress between Chapel Street and Archer Street, including removal of the existing kerbing and preparation for new kerbing. Footpath works will continue between Tynte Street and Chapel Street, including removal of sections of the existing paving.
Drainage works at the eastern end of Chapel Street are temporarily on hold while the project team works through unexpected underground conditions.
What we heard from the community
The revitalisation of O’Connell Street has been shaped over several years through strategic planning, community engagement and Council decision-making.
The O’Connell Street Master Plan, endorsed in 2021, established the long-term vision for the street as a safer, more vibrant and accessible main street that supports business activity, community connection and public life.
Community feedback throughout the development of the project highlighted the importance of creating a safer, more welcoming and accessible main street while maintaining O’Connell Street’s established character and supporting local businesses.
Key themes raised included improving pedestrian safety, increasing greenery and shade, upgrading lighting, enhancing accessibility and creating a more attractive public realm. These priorities have helped shape the revitalisation approach and continue to inform the delivery of improvements along O’Connell Street.
At its meeting on 26 August 2025, Council resolved to progress the O’Connell Street revitalisation project.
As the project has progressed, we have continued to keep businesses, residents and stakeholders informed through project updates and targeted engagement to support design development and delivery planning.
Road safety works
In addition to the O’Connell Street Revitalisation, road safety improvements are being delivered at key intersections along O’Connell Street.
The City of Adelaide received $360,000 through the Black Spot Program to install a scramble pedestrian crossing at O’Connell Street and Barton Terrace. Works include pedestrian countdown timers, new traffic signal infrastructure and changes to traffic movements.
These works are expected to be completed by December 2026 and are being delivered independently of the revitalisation project.
What to expect during construction
The works will mainly involve replacing the footpath, kerb and street furniture.
Our construction team will communicate directly with businesses to let them know when works will be located outside your premises.
Once complete, this section will look similar to the upgraded area outside 88 O’Connell Street. The attached plan shows what the works will look like, including the location of garden beds and street furniture.
Impacts on traffic and car parking
Lane restrictions and reduced speed limits may be in place on the northbound lane of O’Connell Street to keep our work crew safe. On-street parking along this section of O’Connell Street will not be available during construction.
Signage will be in place to help pedestrians, cyclists and other road users move safely around the site.
The westernmost northbound lane of O’Connell Street will be temporarily closed between 7 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday, while works are underway. On-street parking along the western side of O’Connell Street will remain temporarily unavailable to support construction access and storage requirements.
Vehicle access to Chapel Street will be via Tynte Street only. Traffic control will be in place during working hours to assist movement through the area.
Access to businesses
The western footpath along O’Connell Street remains open, with pedestrian access to businesses maintained. Access to businesses will be maintained during trading hours wherever possible. Temporary changes to access arrangements may be required at times, and affected businesses will be notified in advance.
Our contractors will work closely with businesses throughout the works to understand individual access needs and minimise disruption where possible.
Noise and dust
There will be some noise during the works, from heavy machinery and excavation equipment. We understand construction can be disruptive and thank you for your patience while these works are completed. Dust will be managed using water suppression measures on site where required.
Waste and deliveries
Waste collection is not expected to be affected by the works.
The loading zone outside North Adelaide Village will be temporarily unavailable during construction. Businesses with specific loading or delivery requirements can discuss arrangements with the contractor so these can be accommodated where possible.
Alternative loading zone locations can be viewed on this interactive parking map.
Bus stop access
Bus stop 4 will be temporarily moved while works are happening in this location. It may be moved closer to North Adelaide Village or closer to Tynte Street, depending on the works. A safe place for passengers to get on and off the bus will be available at all times, and signage will be in place to help direct passengers.
For public transport updates, please contact:
[email protected] or visit Adelaide Metro disruptions and service updates.
Timing
Construction commenced in August 2026 and works are expected to be completed prior to Christmas, subject to weather and unexpected site conditions.
Working hours will be 7 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 7 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. No work is proposed on Sundays or at night.
What's happening next
As construction progresses, we will:
- provide regular updates to directly impacted businesses and properties
- share information about upcoming works and temporary changes to access or traffic arrangements
- continue working with businesses to minimise disruption where possible
- update this webpage with key construction milestones and information relevant to the broader community
Need more information?
For day-to-day questions about access, deliveries or the timing of works near your premises, contact our contractor, Nathan Rains, Site Supervisor, Outside Ideas:
For general information about the O’Connell Street Revitalisation, contact Dean Nugent, Project Manager - City of Adelaide on:
Community engagement has played an important role in shaping the O’Connell Street revitalisation project. Previous engagement, including development of the O’Connell Street Master Plan and subsequent project updates, helped inform priorities for a safer, greener and more accessible main street that supports local businesses and community activity.
As the project has progressed, the City has continued to keep businesses, residents and stakeholders informed through targeted engagement and project updates.
Visit Our Adelaide to view previous engagement and project background.