Locals around Mermaid Beach are being warned of traffic chaos from next week as construction on the next stage of the light rail starts to ramp up.
Anyone who lives, works or drives on the Gold Coast Highway through the area is being warned there will be traffic and parking changes from later this week that will remain in place until at least September.
As part of the $1.2 billion third stage of the light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh, temporary sewer infrastructure will be built down the middle of the highway as well as permanent sewer infrastructure under the road shoulder.
The works are needed to upgrade the underground services ahead of the tracks being laid down in 2024.
It means only two lanes of traffic will be operating in both directions during the day along the highway.
One street parking and the existing bus lanes will also be removed and speed limits will be reduced to 40 km/h, particularly between Markeri Street and Heron Avenue.
GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford admitted the works would impact a significant number of Gold Coasters.
“Due to the need to work in the middle of the Gold Coast Highway, these works will be impactful,” he said.
“There is a focus on getting the work done as quickly as possible and giving residents and businesses plenty of notice about what is happening.
“The works will be delivered during the day to minimise the noise impacts to local residents.”
Signs will be installed to communicate parking changes from this week and a monthly precinct notification will be distributed to residents and businesses from next week onwards.
Construction of stage three of the trams is expected to be completed in 2025.
