Wells Street is currently a two-way public road. The road width is approximately 3.9m wide, with narrow verges on either side. The road geometry is not supportive of two-way traffic as there is not sufficient space for vehicles to safely pass one another. Wells Street has operated as a two-way street for some time due to the very low traffic volumes in the street.

We received a referral from the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) for a development application at 10-12 North Parade, Port Adelaide for a new building/hotel. With the expected increase in activity in the local area, this road safety issue needs to be addressed.

We proposed to implement a one-way traffic restriction on Wells Street, so that traffic flows in a southbound direction only. This is the safest and most efficient direction for traffic to flow on Wells Street, both now and in the future. Please see the map below of Wells St, Port Adelaide.

Thank you for providing your feedback on the Wells Street One Way proposal. Community engagement closed on Wednesday 11 October 2023.

We asked nearby residents and landowners if they supported the proposal to change Wells Street to one-way in a southbound direction.

Overall, the proposal received a high level of support from the community with 71% in favour.

Some concerns were raised about the proposal based upon some community members' current or preferred movements along Wells Street. The proposed direction of travel may require behaviour change by a small number of motorists. These concerns can be resolved with minor detours or alternate paths of travel for some motorists to achieve this road safety outcome.

The strong level of support indicates that the community recognises that the road is unable to safely maintain two-way traffic along Wells Street and a one-way arrangement is necessary.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 14 November, Council endorsed the recommendation to progress with the implementation of a one-way traffic restriction on Wells Street in a southbound direction.

In line with the Council resolution, we have implemented the required line marking and signage to formalise the one-way operation of Wells Street in a southbound direction between North Parade and Nile Street. The change in operation was formalised and came into effect on 15 January 2024.

Early works for the proposed development are expected to start in late November / early December 2023. Construction of the new hotel is expected to take approximately 18 months to 2 years to complete. Wells Street will undergo a temporary one-way traffic restriction during the construction phase under work-zone traffic management.

The permanent implementation of this one-way traffic restriction on Wells Street will be introduced at an appropriate time during the development process. Nearby residents, businesses and property owners will be notified of changes throughout.