Good Friday Travel Alert: Major Rail Shutdown and Holiday Gridlock Expected

Holiday Traffic and Public Transport Update: Friday, 3 April 2026

Commuters and holidaymakers across the Gold Coast are advised to prepare for significant travel disruptions today as the city enters the Easter long weekend. With Good Friday traditionally being one of the busiest days on our roads, a combination of holiday exodus traffic, major construction projects, and a significant rail shutdown will make for a challenging commute.

Major Rail Shutdown: 23-Day Closure Begins

The headline news for today is the commencement of a major 23-day track closure on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines. Starting today, Friday, 3 April, all train services between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road are suspended to facilitate the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail upgrades. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until late April.

• Rail Replacement: Timetabled buses will replace all trains between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh/Boggo Road stations.
• Extra Travel Time: Translink advises that commuters should allow at least an additional 45 to 60 minutes for their journeys, as buses will be navigating holiday traffic on the M1.
• Holiday Schedule: All other public transport services, including buses and G:link trams, will operate on a Sunday/Public Holiday timetable today. There will be no Nightlink services running tonight.

Motorway and Highway Congestion

Traffic on the M1 Pacific Motorway is expected to reach peak saturation levels by mid-morning. Historically, the southbound lanes see the heaviest congestion as Brisbane residents head south for the break. Significant delays are predicted around the following pinch points:

• M1 Pacific Motorway: High volumes are expected between Ormeau and Helensvale, and again near the Tugun bypass. Southbound delays could reach up to 30-45 minutes.
• Gold Coast Highway (Light Rail Stage 3): Construction between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads remains active. Motorists should expect single-lane restrictions in both directions between Dawn Parade and George Street East. A strictly enforced 40km/h work zone speed limit is in effect.
• Coomera Connector (The Second M1): In the north, the Ridgevale Drive overpass remains closed for replacement works. Local traffic is being diverted via the Smith Street Motorway, which is experiencing higher-than-average volumes.

Local Hotspots and Event Traffic

Inland commuters should note increased activity in Nerang as the DinoFest event kicks off today at Country Paradise Parklands. Expect localized delays on Beaudesert-Nerang Road. In the Hinterland, stop/slow traffic control remains in place on Gold Coast-Springbrook Road due to ongoing landslip reconstruction between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road.

Drivers are urged to stay patient, plan their routes using the latest digital tools, and avoid the peak midday window if possible. If you are using the rail replacement buses, ensure your go card is topped up as staff will be on-site at major hubs to assist with the transition.