Delays Expected on Gold Coast Highway Amid Intensive Light Rail and Bridge Works

Gold Coast Traffic and Commute Update: Sunday, 29 March 2026

Commuters and weekend travelers across the Gold Coast are advised to prepare for several significant disruptions today. As major infrastructure projects enter intensive phases, multiple arterial roads and public transport routes are experiencing changed conditions. Whether you are heading to the southern beaches or navigating the northern growth corridor, planning ahead is essential to avoid lengthy delays.

Major Arterial Disruptions: Gold Coast Highway

The primary area of concern remains the Gold Coast Highway between Miami and Burleigh Heads. Due to ongoing track slab installation and overhead wire stringing for the Light Rail Stage 3 extension, the highway is reduced to a single lane in both directions from Dawn Parade through to George Street East. A strictly enforced 40km/h work zone speed limit is in effect throughout this 6.7-kilometre corridor.

Motorists should anticipate heavy congestion and bottlenecks, particularly at the intersections of Christine Avenue and West Burleigh Road. Traffic authorities recommend using Bermuda Street as a primary north-south alternative to bypass the coastal congestion. Additionally, several bus stops in the Miami and Burleigh precincts have been temporarily relocated; passengers should check for on-site signage.

Coomera Connector and Northern Roadworks

In the city’s north, work on the Coomera Connector (Stage 1) continues to impact local traffic patterns. The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive is currently fully closed as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. Diversions are in place via the Smith Street Motorway, which is seeing higher-than-usual volumes. Drivers should also note that the Smith Street Motorway off-ramp toward Southport is subject to narrowed lanes and temporary speed reductions for pavement maintenance.

Suburban and Hinterland Alerts

• Labrador: Turpin Road remains closed to all traffic between First Avenue and Fourth Avenue for essential road rehabilitation. Detours are available via Brisbane Road.
• Mudgeeraba: Berrigans Road is closed between Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Mark Way. Local residents are advised to use alternate access roads.
• Hinterland: Reconstruction efforts continue on Gold Coast-Springbrook Road between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road. Expect stop/slow traffic control as crews remediate recent landslip sites.

Public Transport and Event Traffic

Rail users should be aware of scheduled maintenance across the network. While the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines are largely operational, intermittent track work may necessitate rail replacement buses for specific sectors. Commuters are urged to consult the Translink Journey Planner before departing.

Finally, with the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships ("The Aussies") currently underway, expect significantly increased pedestrian activity and minor local traffic changes around major coastal competition hubs. Parking will be limited near Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise; public transport is recommended for those attending the event.