Commuter Alert: Major Closures on Smith Street and Gold Coast Highway This Monday

Gold Coast Traffic and Commute Update: Monday, 2 February 2026

Gold Coast commuters are advised to plan for significant disruptions this morning as several major roadworks and infrastructure projects impact key travel corridors. With the working week commencing, significant closures in Arundel, Mermaid Beach, and Tugun are expected to shift traffic patterns and increase travel times across the city.

Major Road Closures and Delays

The following major routes are currently impacted by planned roadworks and safety maintenance:

• Smith Street Motorway, Arundel: The eastbound access ramp to Smith Street from the Smith Street Motorway is currently closed to all traffic. Commuters heading toward Southport should utilize alternative exits and expect heavy congestion during the morning peak.
• Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach: Major roadworks continue in the Nobby Beach and Mermaid Beach precinct. The Gold Coast Highway and its associated service roads are closed to all traffic in specific sections near Nobby Beach to facilitate ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Local detours are in place via Sunshine Boulevard.
• Tugun Bypass: Drivers using the southern end of the M1 should be aware that Exit 95 (Tugun Currumbin Road to the Gold Coast Highway) is currently closed to all traffic for planned maintenance.
• Helensvale Alert: Buckler Drive is closed between Cyan Street and the Town Centre Drive roundabout due to bridge works. Residents are advised to use alternative routes to access the Helensvale station and shopping precinct.

Pacific Motorway (M1) and Coomera Connector

While the M1 is largely open, motorists should expect localized lane closures and reduced speed limits near Nineteenth Avenue and Dogwood Drive as part of the ongoing motorway widening projects. In positive news for northern commuters, the Coomera Connector (M9) Stage 1 North is now operational between Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road, providing a much-needed alternative for those looking to bypass M1 congestion between Ormeau and Helensvale.

Public Transport and Rail Alerts

Translink has issued a series of updates for those utilizing the rail and bus networks today:

• Train Timetable Changes: A temporary train timetable is in effect for the Gold Coast line between Ormeau and Varsity Lakes starting today, 2 February, and continuing through mid-February. Please check the Translink journey planner for adjusted departure times.
• Bus Stop Shifts: Due to Stage 3 Light Rail construction, several bus stops along the Gold Coast Highway remain closed. The Nobby Beach shops stop (Stop ID 300340) and the Annette Kellerman Park stop are currently impacted. Passengers for routes 700 and 777 should follow signage to temporary stops located approximately 150 to 500 meters from the original locations.
• Mountain Routes: For those heading inland, Gold Coast Springbrook Road at Neranwood remains under a reduced speed limit of 60km/h due to long-term repair works following previous weather damage.

Commuters are encouraged to allow an additional 15–20 minutes for their journeys today, particularly when navigating the construction zones in the central and southern regions of the city.