Gold Coast traffic: Roads congested and motorists being urged to avoid travel

Gold Coast motorists are facing a traffic nightmare with pockets of congestion across the city on the New Year’s Day public holiday. Here’s where it’s worst.

Gold Coast motorists are facing a traffic nightmare with pockets of congestion across the city on the New Year’s Day public holiday.

Those looking for a day trip to the coast are facing massive delays with congestion between Underwood and Helensvale at the Movie World exit.

The delay at the 40km snarl is expected to be about one hour long.

Police are also dealing with an incident at Exit 71 in Nerang which is contributing to traffic in the area.

Delays are also being experienced on the Gold Coast Hwy from Robert St, Labrador until the Surfers Paradise side of the Sundale Bridge.

Traffic on New Year's Day in Southport. Picture: Google

The traffic is thickest near Australia Fair Shopping Centre.

A number of Southport streets that feed onto the main road are also experiencing congestion.

Thomas Dr, Surfers Paradise is also experiencing delays.

Further south, waits are expected on the Gold Coast Hwy at Miami, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera and Palm Beach.

Casua Dr at Burleigh is also congested.

The nightmare continues on the M1 southbound between Robina and the NSW border with reports of congestion in that area.

RACQ is urging motorists to be patient.

“Traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway and Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the coasts,” they tweeted.

“Please be patient and courteous if you’re on the roads and allow extra travel time.

“Try avoid the rush by travelling outside of peak times (10am – mid afternoon).”

Traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway and Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the coasts. Please be patient and courteous if you're on the roads and allow extra travel time. Try avoid the rush by travelling outside of peak times (10am - mid afternoon). #qldtrafficpic.twitter.com/7SFA0w8REv

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) January 2, 2023

It is not clear how long it will take the traffic to clear.

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