Major Congestion Expected: T100 Triathlon and Rail Closures Impact Gold Coast Travel Today

Significant Event Disruptions in Southport and Surfers Paradise

Commuters and residents are advised to prepare for heavy congestion and multiple road closures today, Sunday, 22 March 2026, as the inaugural Gold Coast T100 Triathlon enters its final day of competition. A major 10km run is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM from Broadwater Parklands, which will significantly impact coastal traffic throughout the morning. The course takes participants across the Sundale Bridge, past Sea World, and along the scenic esplanade, finishing at the Surfers Paradise Esplanade.

Authorities have warned of heavy delays in the Southport and Surfers Paradise precincts. Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the coastal strips and instead utilize Benowa Road or Currumburra Road for north-south travel. Several intersections surrounding the Broadwater Parklands will experience intermittent closures to facilitate athlete safety.

Public Transport: Full Rail Shutdown on Gold Coast Line

Translink has confirmed that a major weekend track closure is in effect for the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines. All train services are currently suspended between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes stations to allow for essential infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. This shutdown also affects all Airtrain services connecting the Gold Coast to Brisbane Airport.

Rail replacement buses are operating in both directions, stopping at all stations. Commuters should plan for significant delays of 60 to 90 minutes and are encouraged to check the latest timetables before departing. Normal rail services are expected to resume early Monday morning.

Major Arteries and Ongoing Roadworks

Infrastructure projects continue to impact travel times across the region today. Motorists should be aware of the following ongoing disruptions:

• Gold Coast Highway (Miami to Burleigh Heads): Construction for Light Rail Stage 3 has reduced the highway to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade and West Burleigh Road. A strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit is in effect, and heavy delays are expected near Christine Avenue.
• Coomera Connector (Northern Gold Coast): The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. Detours are currently in place via the Smith Street Motorway.
• Gold Coast-Springbrook Road: Stop/slow traffic control is active across approximately 28 sites due to ongoing landslip remediation and reconstruction works. Residents in the hinterland should allow for extra travel time.
• Mudgeeraba: Berrigans Road remains closed to through traffic between Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Mark Way for pavement rehabilitation.

For those attending the Festival of Golf at Sanctuary Cove or other weekend events, please allow an additional 30 minutes for your journey due to the cumulative effect of these roadworks and event-related closures.