Lane Reductions on Gold Coast Highway and Local Detours Impact Wednesday Commute

Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters across the Gold Coast should prepare for a complex journey this Wednesday, 11 March 2026. While the M1 Pacific Motorway is currently flowing well through the southern sectors following the completion of major upgrades last year, significant bottlenecks are occurring along the coastal corridor. Major infrastructure projects, including the Light Rail Stage 3 and the Coomera Connector, are entering intensive phases, leading to changed traffic conditions on several arterial roads.

Major Arterial Disruptions

The Gold Coast Highway remains the primary area of concern for motorists traveling between Miami and Burleigh Heads. As construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 nears its final high-impact phase, the following conditions are in effect:

• Lane Reductions: The highway is reduced to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade in Miami and George Street East in Burleigh Heads.
• Northbound Bottleneck: A specific single-lane arrangement is active for northbound traffic between Tweed Street and West Burleigh Road.
• Speed Limits: A strictly enforced 40 km/h speed limit is in place through the entire construction zone.

Motorists are strongly advised to utilize Bermuda Street or the M1 as alternative routes to avoid the heavy congestion expected during the 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM peak.

Coomera Connector and M1 Impacts

In the northern growth corridor, work on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 Central package continues to impact local traffic. Drivers near Molendinar and Arundel should watch for changed conditions at the Smith Street Motorway off-ramp. Additionally, the bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive is closed for reconstruction, with local detours clearly signed. On the M1, while three lanes remain open in both directions through the southern coast, minor out-of-hours maintenance near the Tallebudgera Creek bridge may result in localized speed reductions tonight.

Local Roadworks and Service Alerts

Several local projects are reaching critical milestones today:

• Coombabah: Sewerage investigation works are scheduled to conclude at 5:00 PM today on Coombabah Road, Harbour Quays Drive, and East Quay Drive. Minor delays are expected in the immediate area.
• Palm Beach: A full road closure is in effect on Luzon Parade between Sarawak Avenue and Thrower Drive for road seal rehabilitation.
• Mudgeeraba: Berrigans Road remains fully closed between Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Mark Way for essential pavement repairs.
• Hinterland: Reconstruction works on Gold Coast-Springbrook Road continue between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road. Expect stop/slow traffic control as crews remediate landslip sites.

Public Transport Updates

The Gold Coast and Beenleigh rail lines are operating on a normal weekday schedule today. G:link trams are running every 7 to 15 minutes, though passengers are urged to exercise caution when boarding near construction zones in Nobby Beach and Miami. Bus users should note a permanent stop change on Brisbane Road in Arundel due to the Smith Street Motorway modifications.