Major Road Closures on Gold Coast Highway and Smith Street Motorway This Saturday

Significant Roadworks and Closures across the Gold Coast

Commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for several major disruptions across the Gold Coast network this Saturday, January 31, 2026. Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Light Rail Stage 3 expansion and critical road maintenance, will result in full closures and significant diversions in high-traffic areas. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow for at least 15 to 20 minutes of additional travel time when moving through central and northern suburbs.

Gold Coast Highway and Mermaid Beach Disruptions

The most significant impact to local traffic this Saturday is located along the Gold Coast Highway corridor. Due to planned construction works related to the Light Rail Stage 3 project, a section of the Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Beach and Nobby Beach is subject to planned roadworks that have resulted in temporary closures and lane restrictions. These works are essential for utility relocations and track preparation as the light rail network moves closer to its 2026 completion date.

• Mermaid Beach: Expect heavy congestion on the Gold Coast Highway Service Road near Nobby Beach.
• Diversions: Northbound and southbound traffic should consider using Bermuda Street as an alternative to avoid the Mermaid Beach bottleneck.

Motorway Ramp and Local Bridge Closures

Northern Gold Coast commuters will face specific challenges at major interchanges and local bridges. Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) notices indicate the following closures will remain in effect through Saturday:

• Arundel: The eastbound access ramp to Smith Street from the Smith Street Motorway is currently closed to all traffic for planned maintenance. Motorists heading toward Southport should divert via the High Street or Olsen Avenue exits.
• Helensvale: Buckler Drive, specifically the Town Centre Drive bridge between Cyan Street and the roundabout, remains closed to all vehicles. This closure impacts local access to the Helensvale shopping precinct and rail station.
• M1 Pacific Motorway: While the motorway remains open, speed restrictions are in place through the Coomera Connector construction zones between Coomera and Helensvale.

Public Transport and Rail Alerts

While the Gold Coast rail line is largely operational this weekend, Translink has scheduled major trackwork on several connecting Brisbane lines. While Gold Coast services are expected to run, travelers heading north into Brisbane should be aware of a weekend track closure affecting the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula, and Sunshine Coast lines. Additionally, minor stop closures continue along the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach and Broadbeach Waters due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Commuters are encouraged to use the Translink journey planner to confirm the latest Saturday bus and tram frequencies.