Major Delays Expected Near HOTA and M1 Corridors This Friday

Traffic Alert: AACTA Awards and Infrastructure Projects to Impact Friday Commute

Commuters across the Gold Coast are advised to prepare for significant travel time increases this Friday, 6 February 2026. A combination of high-profile events and essential infrastructure upgrades is expected to create pressure points on major arteries, particularly in the central and southern regions of the coast. Authorities recommend allowing at least 15 to 20 minutes of extra travel time during peak periods.

Bundall Congestion: AACTA Awards at HOTA

The spotlight turns to Bundall this Friday as HOTA (Home of the Arts) hosts the annual AACTA Awards Ceremony. This major event will draw significant crowds and increased vehicle traffic to the precinct throughout the afternoon and evening. Motorists using Bundall Road and Crombie Avenue should anticipate heavy congestion, especially during the red-carpet arrivals in the late afternoon. If you are not attending the event, it is highly recommended to avoid the Bundall area between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to bypass local gridlock.

Southern Gold Coast: Tugun Bypass and M1 Upgrades

Significant disruptions continue in the southern suburbs due to ongoing motorway improvements and planned roadworks:

• Tugun Bypass (Exit 95): The bypass remains closed to all traffic between Tugun Currumbin Road and the Gold Coast Highway. Heavy delays are expected on the surrounding local road network as traffic is diverted through Tugun and Currumbin.
• M1 Pacific Motorway: Construction activity remains high between Palm Beach and Tugun. Part closures are in effect near Nineteenth Avenue and Dogwood Drive to facilitate the M1 upgrade project. Speed restrictions and lane narrowings are active 24/7.
• Palm Beach: Hold-and-release traffic management will be in place on Palm Beach Avenue and Jefferson Lane throughout the day to support ongoing developer works.

Light Rail and Urban Arterial Impacts

Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project continues to reshape traffic flow along the Gold Coast Highway. Commuters should note the following impacts for Friday:

• Southport: Knowledge Street remains under a full road closure until mid-February, requiring motorists to use signed detours.
• Main Beach: Expect stop/slow traffic management on Main Beach Parade from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm as construction crews move heavy equipment.
• Bus Stop Relocations: Several bus stops along the Gold Coast Highway are temporarily closed, including those at Annette Kellerman Park (Mermaid Beach), Hythe Street (Miami), and Third Avenue (Burleigh Heads). Passengers should check for signage directing them to temporary stops nearby.

Commuter Recommendations

Public transport remains a viable alternative to avoid the heaviest road congestion. While the Gold Coast rail line is operating on its standard weekday schedule, bus travelers in the Springwood area should be aware of a temporary stop closure on Springwood Road today. For those driving, utilizing real-time navigation apps and checking Translink service updates before departure is strongly encouraged.