Stadium Diversions and CBD Closures Set to Impact Thursday Morning Commute

Overview for Thursday, 12 March 2026

Brisbane commuters should prepare for a mix of event-based diversions and ongoing infrastructure projects this Thursday. While major rail lines are currently operating on standard weekday schedules following earlier week disruptions, significant changes to traffic flow in the CBD and Milton are expected to begin today. Motorists are advised to allow for an additional 10 to 15 minutes of travel time, particularly during the morning and afternoon peaks.

Suncorp Stadium Event Diversions

Commuters traveling through Milton and Paddington should be aware that major traffic diversions are scheduled to commence today, Thursday, 12 March, in preparation for a series of weekend events at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane City Council has confirmed that special event clearways and local diversions will be active from this afternoon. These changes typically affect Milton Road and Castlemaine Street, potentially causing backlog for those exiting the Inner City Bypass (ICB) toward the western suburbs. If you are heading home through this corridor, consider using Coronation Drive as an alternative to avoid the stadium precinct.

CBD and Cross River Rail Disruptions

In the heart of the city, the Cross River Rail project continues to reshape traffic patterns. As of today, the following closures remain strictly in effect:

• Mary Street: The eastbound lane adjacent to the Lot 1 worksite remains closed. Vehicles traveling eastbound toward the river cannot pass through the work area and must divert via Charlotte or Elizabeth Streets.
• Albert Street: The section between Mary and Charlotte Streets remains closed to all vehicular traffic to facilitate the construction of the new underground station.
• Pedestrian Changes: Temporary detours are in place on Albert Street between Charlotte and Elizabeth Streets. Please follow the posted signage to navigate safely around the construction zones.

Major Arterial and Suburban Roadworks

Significant roadworks are impacting several key suburban corridors today:

• Albion: Long-term construction continues on Sandgate Road. Lane narrowing is in place near the Hudson Road intersection, which may cause slow-moving traffic for those heading into the city from the northern suburbs.
• Annerley: Ongoing utility and road improvement works on Ipswich Road are expected to cause delays. Multiple work zones are active between Cornwall Street and the junction near the Pacific Motorway (M1).
• Acacia Ridge: Work on Learoyd Road is entering its final stages, with completion expected by March 15. Expect intermittent lane closures between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM today.
• Ashgrove: Construction on Tay Street, which commenced earlier this week, continues to impact local access. Residents and through-traffic should expect minor delays.

Public Transport Alerts

Translink has confirmed that standard weekday timetables are in effect for all major rail lines today. However, bus users should note that the Suncorp Stadium diversions starting today will affect several routes servicing the Milton area. Routes 385, 444, and local CBD loops may experience slight timing variations due to the increased congestion in the stadium precinct. Commuters are encouraged to use real-time tracking apps to monitor their specific services.