Easter Sunday Travel Alert: Major Rail Shutdown and M1 Holiday Congestion

Easter Sunday Commute Overview

Commuters and holidaymakers across the Gold Coast should prepare for significant travel disruptions today, Sunday, 5 April 2026. As the city celebrates Easter Sunday, a combination of the holiday exodus and a massive 23-day rail shutdown is expected to create challenging conditions on both the roads and the public transport network. Travel times are anticipated to be significantly longer than a typical Sunday, particularly for those heading southbound or using rail services.

Major Rail Shutdown: Buses Replace Trains

The most critical update for today is the ongoing 23-day track closure affecting the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines. As part of the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail upgrades, all train services are suspended. Travelers must note the following:

• Rail Replacements: Timetabled buses are replacing all train services between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road stations.
• Extended Travel Times: Translink advises commuters to allow an additional 45 to 60 minutes for their journeys. Replacement buses will be navigating the same holiday traffic as private vehicles, particularly along the M1 corridor.
• Service Schedule: All other public transport services, including G:link trams and local buses, are operating on a Sunday/Public Holiday timetable today.

M1 Pacific Motorway and Arterial Disruptions

Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the M1 Pacific Motorway throughout the day. Major pinch points include the stretch between Ormeau and Helensvale, as well as the Tugun bypass near the border. Southbound delays could reach up to 45 minutes during peak morning and midday periods. Motorists are encouraged to monitor live traffic feeds and consider delaying non-essential travel until the late afternoon.

On the Gold Coast Highway, construction for Light Rail Stage 3 remains active. The highway is reduced to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade in Miami and George Street East in Burleigh Heads. A strictly enforced 40km/h work zone speed limit is in effect, and motorists should be alert for 'Safety Tram' testing currently underway in the corridor.

Local Event and Roadwork Alerts

• Nerang: Localized delays are expected on Beaudesert-Nerang Road due to the DinoFest event at Country Paradise Parklands.
• Broadbeach: Increased pedestrian activity and minor traffic changes are expected around Kurrawa as the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships continue.
• Coomera: The Ridgevale Drive overpass remains closed for replacement works, with diversions in place via the Smith Street Motorway.
• Hinterland: Stop/slow traffic control is active on Gold Coast-Springbrook Road for ongoing landslip repairs.

Commuter Advice

If you are traveling today, ensure your go card is topped up before reaching the station, as staff will be focused on assisting passengers with the rail-to-bus transition. For those driving, utilizing Bermuda Street as an alternative to the Gold Coast Highway may save time. Stay patient and plan for a slow journey across the city this Easter Sunday.