Milton Congestion and Major Rail Disruptions Expected This Friday

Friday Commute Overview

Friday, February 13, 2026, is shaping up to be a challenging day for Brisbane commuters, particularly those traveling through the inner-west or relying on southern rail lines. A combination of major international events at Suncorp Stadium and significant planned maintenance on the rail network means that "early and informed" should be the mantra for every traveler today. While the morning peak is expected to follow standard Friday patterns, the afternoon and evening will see heightened congestion across the metropolitan area.

Suncorp Stadium and Milton Congestion

The headline event impacting traffic today is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Suncorp Stadium. Running from February 12 to 15, the Friday night performance is expected to draw massive crowds to the Milton precinct. Consequently, motorists should expect significant delays on Milton Road, Coronation Drive, and the Go Between Bridge starting from mid-afternoon. Local road closures will be in effect around the stadium to facilitate pedestrian safety, and Translink has confirmed that several bus diversions will be in place for routes that normally traverse the area. If you are not attending the event, avoiding the Milton and Paddington corridors after 3:00 PM is highly recommended.

Public Transport: Rail Closures and Timetable Changes

Public transport users face a significant disruption as we head into the weekend. A major track closure is scheduled for the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines, beginning this Friday, February 13. This closure is classified as a 'Major' alert by Translink and will necessitate the use of railbus replacements for the duration of the works. Additionally, temporary train timetable changes remain in effect for the section between Ormeau and Varsity Lakes today. Commuters on the Shorncliffe line should also be aware of mid-week evening track closures that continue to impact late-night travel. Always check the Translink Journey Planner before departing, as railbus travel can significantly increase total trip duration compared to standard rail services.

Active Roadworks and Local Disruptions

Beyond the major events, several local roadworks projects across Brisbane may cause localized bottlenecks throughout the day:

• Annerley: Ipswich Road continues to see multiple active work zones. Expect lane merging and reduced speed limits near the intersections with standard thoroughfares.
• Albion: Construction and maintenance works are active on Sandgate Road and Hudson Road. These are long-term projects but often cause unexpected delays during the Friday afternoon exit.
• Acacia Ridge: Excavation work on Bellamy Street and Learoyd Road is ongoing, which may impact local freight and industrial traffic.
• Aspley: Robinson Road West has active work sites that may slow down cross-town travel between the northern suburbs.
• Alderley: Ongoing works on South Pine Road and Enoggera Road should be noted by commuters on the northern corridor.

Commuter Strategy

To ensure a smooth end to your work week, consider leaving the CBD before the 4:00 PM rush, especially if your route takes you through the western suburbs. For those heading south, the rail closures mean the M1 and alternative bus routes will likely be more crowded than usual. Stay updated via real-time traffic services and listen for local radio updates throughout the afternoon peak to avoid the worst of the congestion.