Magic Round traffic changes, road closures on May 2, 3 and 4

NRL Magic Round is set to attract plenty of fans – and Aussie voters. Here is what you need to know.

We’ve outlined what you need to know to navigate the NRL Magic Round traffic during Election Day.

NRL Magic Round this year falls on the same weekend as the federal election. With road closures, parking restrictions and changes to public transport in place over this long weekend, this is what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on your democracy sausage and your chance to vote on Saturday.

What’s the best time to vote to avoid the Magic Round Traffic Rush?

Heading to the polling booths as early as possible is recommended to avoid the traffic rush.

■ Matty Johns’ Magic Round survival guide

■ Your guide to quirky Magic Round mascot race

Brisbane interstate voting centres on election day

With the NRL Magic Round coinciding with the election on Saturday, May 3 fans are being encouraged to vote before you go by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Early voting centres across Brisbane are available to all voters, including interstate travellers:

■ Brisbane City Hall

■ West End Uniting Church

■ St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Indooroopilly

■ St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Enoggera

■ The Gap Uniting Church

■ Mcleod Country Golf Club, Mount Ommaney

■ Geebung Uniting Church Hall

■ St Gerard Majella Church Hall, Chermside West

What polling booths should I go to to avoid long lines?

Due to Magic Round these 11 polling booths – close to, or on popular routes on the way to, Suncorp Stadium – will have increased capacity:

■ Paddington

■ Paddington East

■ Paddington South

■ Red Hill

■ Brisbane City (super booth)

■ Auchenflower

■ Bowen Hills

■ Fortitude Valley

■ Hamilton East

■ South Brisbane

■ West End

Fans will have to vote early before Magic Round. Picture: NRL photos

Early voting options for interstate Magic Round fans

For interstate fans unable to vote early, the AEC will be providing additional capacity at three interstate voting centres in Brisbane:

■ Brisbane City Hall (64 Adelaide St)

■ West End Uniting Church (11 Sussex St)

■ St Andrews Anglican Church (89 Fairly St, Indooroopilly)

For more information from the AEC go here.

What time should I vote to avoid public transport crowds?

The first game of Saturday at NRL Magic Round is between the Rabbitohs and Knights at 3pm.

Road closures

A road closure will be in place on Caxton St, between Petrie Terrace and Hale St, from 10am on Friday, May 5, through to 3am on Monday,. Traffic and pedestrian management measures along Upper Roma St and Roma St, including post-event closure of Upper Roma St to general traffic will also be in place. Part of Castlemaine St will also be closed to through traffic. Temporary coach parking zones will be in place in Parkview St, Mayneview St and Finchley St immediately west of the stadium and in Railway Tce, Crombie St and McDougall St south of Milton Rd.

Parking restrictions

There is no parking in or around Suncorp Stadium during NRL Magic Round, with fans encouraged to catch public transport instead. Fifteen minute parking limits will be in place for streets within the Lang Park Traffic Area from two hours before gates open time through to the conclusion of the game. A temporary disabled parking zone will also be in place in Cordova St off Castlemaine St.

Those planning to attend NRL Magic Round are encouraged to vote early.

Changes to public transport

A track closure affecting the Ferny Grove line will be in place from the first service on Saturday, May 3, to the last service on Sunday, May 4. Railbuses will run between Bowen Hills and Ferny Grove stations during the closure. Temporary bus parking zones will be available after games in Black St, Granzella St, Paten St and along Milton Rd (inbound) in the kerbside lane extending back as far as the Park Rd intersection.

You can travel to Suncorp Stadium for free if you present your game-day ticket to rail or bus staff, with additional train services and shuttle buses available over the weekend.

What additional transport options are available?

You can see the event transport options on the Translink website.

Where can you vote?

Click here to see all the open Election Day polling booths.

Originally published as Magic Round traffic changes, road closures on May 2, 3 and 4