Single-Lane Restrictions and Major Event Traffic to Slow Monday Commute

Significant Delays Expected Across Coastal and Northern Corridors

As the Gold Coast returns to the work week this Monday, 30 March 2026, commuters are advised to prepare for significant travel time increases. A combination of intensive Stage 3 Light Rail construction, major arterial roadworks, and the ongoing Australian Surf Life Saving Championships is expected to impact traffic flow across the city.

Gold Coast Highway and Light Rail Stage 3

Construction for the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 continues to be the primary cause of disruption for coastal commuters. Motorists traveling through the Miami and Burleigh Heads precincts will encounter the following restrictions:

• Miami to Burleigh Heads: The Gold Coast Highway remains restricted to a single lane in both directions from Dawn Parade to West Burleigh Road. A strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit is in effect to ensure the safety of crews performing pavement and utility works.
• Nobby Beach: Finishing works, including final line marking and the installation of pedestrian handrails, are active along the lower Gold Coast Highway. Intermittent stop-slow traffic control may be required throughout the day.
• Burleigh Heads: Heavy pedestrian activity is expected near the Mowbray Park area as crews finalize station infrastructure ahead of the scheduled mid-2026 system opening.

Northern Arteries and M1 Updates

While the first section of the Coomera Connector (M9) between Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road is now open to traffic, secondary works continue to affect local connectivity in the north:

• Arundel: The eastbound access ramp to Smith Street from the Smith Street Motorway is currently closed for essential pavement rehabilitation. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes via Napper Road or Olsen Avenue.
• Helensvale: The bridge overpass at Ridgevale Drive remains fully closed to all traffic as part of the bridge replacement program. Motorists should continue to utilize the Smith Street Motorway as the primary detour.
• M1 Pacific Motorway: High traffic volumes are expected during peak periods, particularly at the interchanges near Pimpama and Varsity Lakes, where residual construction monitoring remains active.

Event Alert: The Aussies 2026

The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships ("The Aussies") continue to draw large crowds to the central Gold Coast beaches. Commuters should expect heavy traffic and extremely limited parking in the Broadbeach and Kurrawa precincts. Localized traffic diversions may be implemented at short notice to manage pedestrian safety around the competition hubs.

Hinterland and Rail Services

For those traveling from the west, Gold Coast-Springbrook Road remains a significant bottleneck with reconstruction efforts active at multiple sites between Neranwood and Pine Creek Road. Stop-slow signals are in operation, with wait times estimated at 10 minutes per site.

On the rails, Translink has confirmed that regular services have resumed following the weekend’s scheduled maintenance. However, commuters are encouraged to check the journey planner for any residual delays following the transition from rail replacement buses back to train operations.