Major Delays on Gold Coast Highway and Coomera Connector Bridge Closure Today

Thursday Morning Traffic and Commute Update

Commuters across the Gold Coast should prepare for significant travel time increases today, Thursday, 19 March 2026, as several major infrastructure projects reach critical phases. From the coastal strip to the hinterland, roadworks and bridge replacements are impacting key arterial routes. Authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead and consider alternative routes where possible to navigate the morning and afternoon peaks.

Major Arterial Disruptions

• Gold Coast Highway: Ongoing construction for the Light Rail Stage 3 continues to cause heavy congestion between Miami and Burleigh Heads. The highway remains restricted to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade and George Street East. A strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit is in place through this corridor, and drivers are warned that police are monitoring compliance to ensure worker safety.
• Coomera Connector (Stage 1): Motorists in the northern suburbs face significant disruptions as the bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed. This closure is a necessary part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. All through traffic must follow posted detours via the Smith Street Motorway, which is experiencing higher-than-usual volume as a result.
• Mudgeeraba and Hinterland: Berrigans Road is currently closed to all through traffic between Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Mark Way for essential pavement rehabilitation. Local residents are advised to use Mark Way for property access. Additionally, those heading into the hinterland should expect stop/slow traffic control at 28 different sites along Gold Coast-Springbrook Road due to extensive landslip remediation works between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road.

Local Road Notices and Parking

In Mermaid Beach, a temporary works zone has been established at 19 Venice Street. Active from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM today, this site has resulted in the closure of the parking lane and may cause minor delays for local traffic turning from the Gold Coast Highway. Motorists are also reminded that on-street parking remains removed along significant sections of the Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh Heads to facilitate heavy construction machinery movements and safe pedestrian access.

Public Transport and Rail Alerts

While the Gold Coast Line is currently operating a standard weekday timetable, passengers are reminded that Moorooka station remains closed for ongoing accessibility and Cross River Rail upgrades. Bus stop relocations are also active in Miami and Burleigh Heads due to light rail works; commuters should check for the nearest active stop before heading out. Looking ahead, a major track closure is scheduled for this coming weekend, March 21-22, which will see rail replacement buses running between Roma Street and Banoon stations. Plan your weekend travel now to avoid being caught out.

Commuter Advice

To avoid the heaviest delays, residents are encouraged to allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes for north-south travel along the coastal corridor. Using the M1 Pacific Motorway remains the preferred option for longer trips, though heavy congestion is expected at the Smith Street Motorway interchange during peak hours due to diverted traffic from the Coomera Connector worksites.