Heavy Delays Expected in Burleigh Heads for Australian Boardriders Battle and Light Rail Works

Gold Coast Traffic & Commute Update: Saturday, 7 March 2026

Commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for a challenging morning across the Gold Coast today, particularly within the central and southern corridors. A combination of major infrastructure projects reaching critical phases and a high-profile sporting event in Burleigh Heads is expected to cause significant bottlenecks and extended travel times.

Major Construction Impacts: Gold Coast Highway

The most substantial impact on today's commute remains the ongoing Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 construction. Transport authorities have confirmed that the Gold Coast Highway is currently operating with a single lane in each direction between Dawn Parade in Miami and West Burleigh Road. Furthermore, a specific single-lane restriction is in effect for northbound traffic between Tweed Street and West Burleigh Road in Burleigh Heads. These arrangements are part of the final track-laying and pavement reconstruction phase and are scheduled to persist through early April.

• Miami to Burleigh Heads: Expect heavy congestion in both directions. Motorists are advised to utilize the M1 Pacific Motorway as a primary alternative to avoid the light rail work zone.
• Construction Activity: 24-hour works are active this weekend, involving concrete pours and rail installation. Residents and motorists may notice increased noise and heavy vehicle movements near the construction barriers.

Coomera Connector and M1 Motorway Status

While the recently opened Stage 1 North section of the Coomera Connector (between Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road) is flowing freely, construction intensity has increased on the Central and South packages. Commuters using the Smith Street Motorway should watch for changing traffic alignments near the new bridge structures. In Helensvale, the bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains a point of interest as crews prepare for structural upgrades, though no full closure is reported for this morning.

On the M1 Pacific Motorway, traffic is generally stable, but localized slow-downs are expected near the Pimpama Interchange due to final road rehabilitation works. Hinterland drivers should also note that reconstruction has officially commenced on the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road, with stop/slow traffic control in place across multiple sites following recent landslip remediation.

Special Event Alert: Burleigh Heads

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final is taking place today at the Burleigh Heads point break. This major event is drawing large crowds, leading to extremely limited parking along the foreshore and high pedestrian activity. Special event parking restrictions are in place between Goodwin Terrace and the Burleigh Hill precinct. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport or rideshare services to reach the area.

Public Transport & Commuter Advice

• Buses: Several bus stops in Burleigh Heads have been temporarily relocated to accommodate the new integrated transport hub construction. Check the latest signage at the Burleigh Heads light rail station site for your nearest boarding point.
• Light Rail: G:link services are running to schedule between Helensvale and Broadbeach South; however, testing of the new Stage 3 tracks continues overnight without passenger service.
• Advice: If traveling to the southern beaches, allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes for your journey. Avoid the Gold Coast Highway through Miami and Burleigh if your destination is not local.