Major Delays on Gold Coast Highway as Stage 3 Light Rail Works Intensify

Wednesday Morning Traffic Update: Single Lanes and Significant Delays on Gold Coast Highway

Commuters heading out this Wednesday, 18 March 2026, should prepare for a challenging morning across the city. As several major infrastructure projects reach critical phases, motorists are facing significant disruptions. The most severe impacts remain concentrated along the coastal corridor and the northern growth areas. If you are traveling between Miami and Burleigh Heads, or navigating the northern interchanges, we recommend allowing at least 20 to 30 extra minutes for your morning journey.

Major Roadworks: Light Rail and Bridge Replacements

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 construction remains the primary cause of congestion along the southern beaches. As of this morning, the Gold Coast Highway is restricted to a single lane in both directions from Dawn Parade in Miami through to West Burleigh Road in Burleigh Heads. These restrictions are expected to remain in place until early April as crews focus on track slab installation and wire stringing. A strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit is active throughout the construction zone. Commuters are advised to avoid the highway if possible and utilize Bermuda Street as an alternative north-south route. Heavy congestion is particularly noted at the intersections of Christine Avenue and West Burleigh Road.

In the city's north, the Coomera Connector (Stage 1) project continues to reshape local travel patterns. The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed today as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. Motorists are being diverted via the Smith Street Motorway, which is seeing higher-than-usual volumes at the Parkwood and Arundel interchanges. Additionally, the Smith Street Motorway off-ramp toward Southport has narrowed lanes and temporary speed reductions in place for ongoing maintenance.

Hinterland and Arterial Alerts

• Gold Coast-Springbrook Road: Stop/slow traffic control is active across 28 separate sites between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road due to extensive landslip remediation. Expect intermittent delays of up to 10 minutes per site.
• Mudgeeraba: Berrigans Road remains closed to through traffic between Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Mark Way for pavement rehabilitation. Detours are in place via local arterial roads.
• Burleigh Heads: Lower East Street remains closed to through traffic for infrastructure works, with local access only permitted.

Public Transport Updates

For those utilizing public transport, Translink has confirmed that late-night track closures are occurring this week on the Gold Coast Line. While morning services are currently running to the standard timetable, late-night commuters returning after 9:00 PM should check for rail replacement bus schedules. Most other bus services are operating normally, though some routes may experience delays due to the heavy congestion on the Gold Coast Highway. Stay safe and plan ahead to ensure a smooth trip today.