The Port River has 2 bridges — the Port River Expressway (Prexy) Bridge and the Birkenhead Bridge — that open for tall vessels to pass under.
Most boats can pass under the bridges unopened, but you will need to plan ahead and check your vessel height, bridge clearances and opening times.
The Traffic Management Centre remotely operates the bridges.
On this page
Port River Expressway bridge opening times
For the opening of the bridge during the designated times above, vessel operators must give at least 10 minutes notice by phone on 1800 018 313 or VHF Channel 68 using the call sign 'Prexy Bridges'.
| Day of the week | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 6 am to 6:15 am |
| 7 pm to 7:15 pm | |
| Weekends and public holidays | 10 am to 10:15 am |
| 3 pm to 3:15 pm | |
| 6 pm to 6:15 pm (with a 15 minute opening at 10 pm during daylight saving) |
The following restrictions apply to opening the Port River Expressway bridge until further notice.
- Maximum forecast temperature of 30 degrees or less - bridge can be opened in the morning and evening.
- Maximum forecast temperature over 30 degrees - bridge can be opened in the morning only.
- After 3 days of temperatures above 35 degrees - bridge cannot be opened.
- Overnight temperature does not fall below 25 degrees - bridge cannot be opened.
- Wind speed must be below 40km/h to raise or lower the bridge.
Temperatures are taken from the Bureau of Meteorology, West Terrace Station.
Any extended changes to the bridge operating times can be found on Traffic SA.
Birkenhead bridge opening times
The bridge stays closed by default but can be opened on request during the designated times above. To open the bridge during these times, vessel operators must give 2 hours notice by phone on 1800 018 313 or VHF Channel 68 using the call sign 'Birkenhead Bridge'.
| Day of the week | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 6 am to 11 pm |
| Weekends and public holidays | 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (10:30 pm during daylight saving) |
Applying to open the bridges at other times
If you are planning an event or other activity on the river that requires the bridges to open outside of the designated opening times, you will need to apply in writing at least six months in advance.
1. Apply for the bridges to open
Write to:
Manager, Traffic Operations
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
Your application should contain details of the event or activity being planned and the requirements for the bridges to be opened. The application will be assessed and you'll be advised in writing whether it has been approved.
2. Contact the duty bridge officer
Contact the duty bridge operator just prior to opening. Contact the operator no earlier than one hour before the approved opening time, and no later than 10 minutes prior, by phone on 1800 018 313 or VHF marine radio channel 68.
At least 2 hours notice is required to open Birkenhead Bridge.
Bridge clearances
Most boats can pass under the Port River Expressway and Birkenhead bridges when closed.
Ensure that you know the height of your vessel to pass under the bridges safely and observe the traffic control signals and give way rules.
| Port River Expressway bridges | 8.6 metres clearance at the highest astronomical tide |
|---|---|
| Birkenhead bridge | 5.4 metres clearance at the highest astronomical tide |
Reporting a vessel incident under the Port River Expressway bridge
Phone 1800 018 313 or use VHF channel 68 using the call sign 'Traffic Management Centre' for incidents including a vessel breakdown or collision within the navigation pass.
