Traffic slows as pace ramps up for GC500
The annual traffic snarl created by the Gold Coast 500 has started with crews now setting up the 2.96km Surfers Paradise circuit.
Work on the track build for next month’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 began on on Monday with the mammoth construction job starting just 38 days ahead of Supercars’ biggest party on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
With the countdown to race day started, crews will have to build 6km of concrete barriers and fencing.
Event Manager Matthew Ramsden said the track build always marked an exciting shift for the city as anticipation for the iconic race ramps up.
“For the next six weeks, the Surfers Paradise precinct will take on a whole new character,’’ Mr Ramsden said.
“With over six kilometres of concrete barriers going in, it’s going to be an ever-changing landscape.
“Main Beach will also be busy as ever as fans bring the track precinct to life.
“Last year, the event contributed over $58m to the local Gold Coast economy. As always, we encourage fans who want a sneak peek of the circuit to get in and support the local businesses that play such a critical role in the success of this event every year."
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said he encouraged Gold Coasters to show patience as work gets underway through Main Beach and Paradise Waters.
“Next month, we will welcome more than 200,000 race fans to one of the biggest events on our annual calendar so the short-term restrictions on traffic movement will be well worth it when the chequered flag drops,’’ Cr Hammel said.
The Gold Coast event features some of the most in demand corporate facilities of any event on the calendar and in 2025 most are nearing capacity.
Mr Ramsden said the organisers had nearly sold out all the corporate boxes while grandstand tickets were close to being sold out as well.
Locals will start seeing the emergence of pit lane along the Gold Coast Highway in the coming weeks along with corporate and grandstand facilities.
The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will be held 24-26 October and tickets are available through Supercars.com.
International act Groove Armada will headline the Saturday night concert while seasoned Australian DJs The Stafford Brothers and Brooke Evers while feature in the concert on the Friday night.
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