Gold Coast Commonwealth Games traffic lanes come into effect from tonight

THE Gold Coast’s road network is about to face its first test under Commonwealth Games conditions as road closures come into effect.

THE Gold Coast’s road network for the Commonwealth Games is about to face its first test.

The major section of roadway fronting the Carrara Stadium will be blocked from midnight and Games lanes closures will start tomorrow in the first real test of the city’s transport system for the event.

Games transport officials sent out alerts today warning that Nerang-Broadbeach Road between Ross Street and Chisholm Road would be fully closed from 8pm.

They told motorists: “Directional signage will be in place to assist you with alternative routes.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will continue to monitor traffic volumes in real time to manage localised congestion.”

Games lanes from Ross Street along Olsen Avenue will be in place from tomorrow.

The Bulletin during the event will be providing a Games Survivor guide which each day will warn motorists of closures and how to avoid trouble spot.

FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES

A police officer patrols near a designated Commonwealth Games Lane (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Games lanes across the Coast will be activated over the Easter long weekend to prepare motorists for the start of the Commonwealth Games.

He said the Government’s considered approach to changed traffic conditions struck a balance between the needs of business and drivers on the Coast.

“Activation dates have been staggered to minimise traffic disruptions for road users, and we have tried to keep roads operating as normal for as long as possible,” he said.

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Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports of Queensland Mark Bailey. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

The Government is confident the Games lanes will ensure reliable transport for athletes and officials during GC2018, ensuring they can get to venues on time and the competitions remain on schedule.

Games Lanes will be in place at the following locations:

•30 March — 15 April: Ross Street / Olsen Avenue section

•31 March — 15 April: Smith Street between Olsen Avenue and High Street section

•1 April — 15 April: Nerang-Broadbeach Road / Hooker Boulevard section

•2 April — 15 April: Gold Coast Highway sections

A get set for the games sign. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Bailey said Games lanes had been successfully used in previous Commonwealth Games and they were one of the road measures being implemented across the Coast to help facilitate reliable transport for athletes and officials.

“Games lanes provide a priority traffic lane for accredited vehicles only, including TransLink branded buses, emergency vehicles and vehicles being escorted by an emergency vehicle,” Mr Bailey said.

“Other vehicles can still use Games lanes for up to 100 metres to turn at an intersection, to enter or exit a property/road, or avoid an obstruction.”

Line marking and signage will be in place to warn motorists when they are approaching a Games lanes and have entered one.

A Taxi drives on a designated Commonwealth Games Lane (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

The temporary “Get Set for the Games” signage will be replaced by distinctive blue and yellow “Games Lanes” signs.

Some sections of Games lanes will have additional white arrows line-marked on the roads to assist motorists when they need to cross a Games Lanes to turn a corner.

From the point of activation, Games lanes can only be used by accredited vehicles through to the end of the Games on April 15. Fines of $252 will apply if they are used by general motorists during this time period, but no demerit points will apply.

Games lanes cannot be used by motorbikes, taxis or booked hire services (such as uber or limousines). As most Games lanes are located in the existing median lane, they are also not suitable for cyclists to use for safety reasons.

Games lanes will not be used on the Pacific Motorway.