Heavy Pre-Easter Congestion and Light Rail Lane Reductions to Impact Thursday Commute

Significant Holiday Traffic Expected Today

Commuters and holidaymakers should prepare for heavy congestion across the Gold Coast today, Thursday, 2 April 2026. As the final working day before the Easter long weekend, a significant increase in vehicle volume is anticipated on major north-south arteries. The traditional pre-Easter 'exodus' is expected to begin early this afternoon, with the M1 Pacific Motorway and Gold Coast Highway likely to experience major bottlenecks starting from 2:00 PM.

Gold Coast Highway and Light Rail Stage 3

Ongoing construction for the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 continues to be the primary source of local delays. The highway remains reduced to a single lane in both directions from Dawn Parade in Miami through to George Street East in Burleigh Heads. A strictly enforced 40km/h work zone speed limit is in effect throughout this 6.7-kilometre corridor. Motorists are reporting significant slowing at the intersections of Christine Avenue and West Burleigh Road. To avoid the coastal crawl, traffic authorities strongly recommend using Bermuda Street (State Route 3) as a primary alternative for north-south travel.

Additionally, finishing works including line marking and the installation of traffic sensors are underway near Fourth Avenue. While major night-time detours are scheduled for 8:00 PM, daytime commuters will still face narrowed lanes and modified signal timings.

Northern Arteries and M1 Disruptions

In the city's north, the Coomera Connector (Stage 1) project is causing changed traffic patterns near Helensvale and Molendinar. The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program, with diversions in place via the Smith Street Motorway. Drivers exiting the M1 at the Smith Street Motorway should also watch for temporary speed reductions and narrowed lanes for pavement maintenance heading toward Southport.

For those commuting from Brisbane later this evening, be advised that a single southbound lane closure on the Story Bridge is scheduled to commence at 9:00 PM tonight for essential maintenance, which may add to travel times for late-night airport transfers or southern commutes.

Public Transport and Special Events

Translink services are currently operational; however, a massive 23-day rail shutdown is scheduled to begin at midnight for the Good Friday holiday. Today, Gold Coast and Beenleigh line trains are running as a combined service between Varsity Lakes and Banoon stations. Commuters are urged to complete their rail travel before the end of today's service to avoid the transition to rail replacement buses starting tomorrow.

Increased pedestrian activity and minor local traffic changes are also expected around Broadbeach and Kurrawa as the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships continue. Please allow extra time when navigating coastal precincts and be mindful of high pedestrian volumes near competition hubs.