Major Weekend Rail Shutdown and Highway Lane Closures: Sunday Traffic Guide

Significant Disruptions Across the Gold Coast Transport Network

Commuters and weekend travelers are advised to plan for significant delays today, Sunday, 15 March 2026, as multiple major infrastructure projects and maintenance works converge. Authorities have issued high-priority alerts for both rail users and motorists across the city, particularly impacting those traveling between the northern and southern suburbs.

Gold Coast Line: Total Rail Shutdown

The most significant disruption today is the full suspension of train services on the Gold Coast Line. Due to essential infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, all trains are canceled between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes stations. This closure also impacts the Airtrain service for those heading toward Brisbane Airport.

• Replacement Buses: Rail replacement buses are operating in both directions, stopping at all affected stations.
• Travel Time: Commuters should allow for at least 60 to 90 minutes of additional travel time, as buses are expected to face heavy weekend traffic.
• Airtrain Users: Passengers traveling from the Gold Coast to the airport must take a replacement bus to Beenleigh before transferring to a train service.

Gold Coast Highway and Light Rail Stage 3

Construction for the Light Rail Stage 3 extension continues to heavily impact the Gold Coast Highway. Motorists should expect slow-moving traffic and localized bottlenecks through the central coast corridor.

• Lane Restrictions: The Gold Coast Highway is restricted to a single lane in both directions between Dawn Parade in Miami and George Street East in Burleigh Heads.
• Speed Limits: A strictly enforced 40km/h work zone speed limit is in effect. Significant police presence has been noted in the area to ensure compliance.
• Bus Stop Closures: Several bus stops within the Miami and Burleigh Heads precincts remain closed or have been temporarily relocated to accommodate track installation.

Coomera Connector and Local Roadworks

Major works on the Coomera Connector (Stage 1) are also affecting local traffic flow in the northern Gold Coast. The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive is fully closed as part of the 2026 bridge replacement program. Motorists are required to follow posted detours via the Smith Street Motorway.

In Mudgeeraba, Berrigans Road remains closed between Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Mark Way for essential pavement rehabilitation. Residents are advised to use alternate local routes.

Hinterland and Springbrook Alerts

Travelers heading to the hinterland should remain cautious. Reconstruction and landslip remediation works are active at 28 different sites along the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road. Drivers can expect stop/slow traffic control measures between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road. While the road remains open, the multiple work sites will lead to intermittent stoppages throughout the day.

Commuter Advice

Given the extent of the rail shutdown and the highway lane closures, we recommend avoiding non-essential travel through the Miami-Burleigh corridor. If you must travel, utilize the Translink journey planner for the most up-to-date bus schedules and allow for significant buffers in your itinerary.