Robina traffic: $10m to fix suburb’s roundabouts and reduce congestion

The 1990s was a great time for the Gold Coast, except for this infrastructure which has caused lasting damage to the city. Now, $10m is being spent to fix it. FIND OUT MORE.

The central Gold Coast’s most choked traffic intersection is undergoing a $10 million upgrade - as transport planners predict an end to ageing roundabouts.

Traffic strategists have revealed a planning review for Robina, using State Government population targets, will consider signalised intersections, road grade changes and four-lane bypasses.

“Robina was built in the 90s. There’s a lot of roundabouts. That’s fine - developers like them - they can put trees and gardens in them,” a transport planner told councillors.

“But over time as traffic increases, they become unbalanced. It’s difficult, as a pedestrian, to cross them and they cause a lot of congestion.”

Councillor Dan Doran has been advised construction on the “notorious” Rocket roundabout, at the intersection of Robina Town Centre and Laver drives, will finish in “early 2025”.

Construction work at The Rocket intersection at Robina.

The huge construction program which began in November 2023 has been challenging for motorists with exit points cut to one lane in rough gravel conditions.

Traffic flows into the intersection from the west at Mudgeeraba and the M1 off ramps, and from the north with motorists parked at the Robina railway station and TAFE.

Traffic congestion through Robina on the Gold Coast.

The roundabout neighbours Robina State High and connects east to the Robina Town Centre, making it renowned for traffic chaos in morning and afternoon peaks.

“Construction delays have been caused by multiple factors including skilled subcontractor shortages, public utility plant conflicts, the citywide storm clean up, design challenges and unfavourable weather conditions,” Mr Doran said.

The council is funding the budgeted $9.5 million upgrade which will see the roundabout converted to a signalised intersection. The councillor is keeping a close eye on its progress and maintaining contact with transport staffers.

Apart from increasing traffic flow for motorists, the upgrade will boost safety for pedestrians with hundreds of students using the site either leaving schools or the Robina railway station to access TAFE and other facilities.

The busy Rocket intersection at Robina before road works.

“Every leg of the intersection will have signalised pedestrian crossings. New paths will improve pedestrian and cycling connections and encourage active travel. Compliant ramps will improve accessibility,” Mr Doran said.

Traffic volume is 29,000 vehicles daily, on the latest counts taken in July 2021.

Almost half of the traffic volume travels from west, from the M1 linking to Mudgeeraba.

“The presence of rail, schools, shops and medical facilities all contribute to the demand on this intersection,” Mr Doran said.

Other surveying, in May, show the intersection sees over 600 pedestrian users daily.

“The signalised crossings will enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.

Signal infrastructure has been installed gradually since early 2024,” Mr Doran said.

“The switch to the signalised intersection will occur overnight near the end of 2024. Off-peak testing will be done before this change.”

The Rocket intersection at Robina and how it will look once road works are completed.

The new signals will be activated with Queensland Police Service traffic management overseeing the process.

“The roundabout will be removed once the signals have been activated,” Mr Doran said.

“For the eight weeks after activation, the signals will be turned off at night for intersection pavement works, utilising QPS traffic management.

“The old pedestrian lights on the northern leg of the intersection near the TAFE will be removed in early 2025.”

The Bulletin in July last year detailed how the suburb, hosting Olympic Games athletes and officials in 2032 is in desperate need of more transport and community infrastructure.

Follow @PaulWestonGC