Aussies Championships and Light Rail Testing Cause Heavy Coastal Delays

Major Event Alert: The Aussies 2026

Commuters and residents should prepare for significant congestion around the central coastline today, Tuesday, 24 March 2026, as the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships—known as 'The Aussies'—swing into high gear. As the largest event of its kind, the championships are drawing thousands of competitors and spectators to our beaches. Expect heavy traffic and extremely limited parking throughout Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Local authorities recommend using public transport or active travel where possible to reach the beachfront precincts.

Gold Coast Highway: Stage 3 Light Rail Restrictions

The southern corridor remains a primary bottleneck this morning due to Phase 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 testing and commissioning. The Gold Coast Highway is currently restricted to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade in Miami and West Burleigh Road. A strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit is in effect through this 3.5-kilometer construction zone. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use Bermuda Street as a north-south alternative to bypass the heavy congestion expected at the Christine Avenue and West Burleigh Road intersections.

Coomera Connector (M9) and Northern Arterials

In the city’s north, the Coomera Connector Stage 1 project continues to alter local traffic patterns. The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed today as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. Motorists are being diverted via the Smith Street Motorway. While the newly opened Stage 1 North section of the M9 is providing some relief for M1 commuters between Coomera and Helensvale, the ongoing construction on the Central and South packages is causing increased volumes at the Parkwood and Arundel interchanges.

Hinterland and Local Roadworks

Heavy vehicle activity and delays are also expected in the following areas:

• Gold Coast-Springbrook Road: Reconstruction and landslip remediation are active at 28 separate sites. Stop/slow traffic control is in place between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road; allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for this route.
• Mudgeeraba: Berrigans Road remains closed to through traffic between Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Mark Way for essential pavement rehabilitation.
• Austinville: Construction has recently commenced on the Mudgeeraba Creek Causeway upgrade. Expect localized delays near the causeway site.

Public Transport Update

While G:link trams are running frequently between Helensvale and Broadbeach South, please note that the Stage 3 extension to Burleigh Heads remains closed to the public. Trams visible on the southern tracks are currently undergoing rigorous system testing and driver training. Regular bus services are operating along the Gold Coast Highway but may be subject to delays due to the single-lane merges in Miami.