One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic beachfront streets, Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach, is set to undergo a major transformation as part of a $7 million safety upgrade. Known locally as 'Millionaires’ Row,' the street will soon see significant changes to vehicle access, with construction scheduled to commence on 6 July. The project aims to reduce traffic volume and improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, who have long shared the space with motorists.
Under the new traffic management plan, Hedges Avenue will be converted into a cycle-priority corridor where through-traffic will no longer be permitted. Access will be largely restricted to local residents, a move designed to stop the street from being used as a shortcut between surrounding suburbs. Traffic engineers estimate that these changes could reduce vehicle volumes by as much as 80 per cent, significantly altering the flow of traffic in the area.
To facilitate these changes, vehicle entry points from Albatross Avenue, Seashell Avenue, and Venice Street will be closed. Instead, access will be limited to streets that connect directly with the Gold Coast Highway. The Gold Coast City Council introduced the project following ongoing safety concerns, with residents and community groups calling for action after a series of incidents involving vehicles, bicycles, and e-bikes. Officials hope this intervention will prevent future accidents.
The scope of the project extends beyond traffic management, encompassing extensive road resurfacing, new and improved footpaths, upgraded kerbing, and the installation of speed management infrastructure. Additionally, the work will include the replacement of ageing underground services, including sections of the local water main network. These upgrades are intended to create a safer environment for schoolchildren, beachgoers, and families.
Local councillor Nick Marshall noted that the project is designed to provide safer access for those walking and riding to nearby schools while reducing conflict between different road users. While acknowledging that some residents have expressed concerns regarding the altered traffic patterns, he stated that community feedback has been largely supportive of prioritising safety. The works are also expected to support the future expansion of the Gold Coast Oceanway network.
Construction is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2026, with completion targeted by the end of the year. Once the project is finished, the council intends to monitor traffic conditions to determine if any further adjustments are necessary. Further details may be updated as more information becomes available.
One of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious beachfront streets, Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach, is set to undergo a major transformation as part of a $7 million safety upgrade aimed at reducing traffic and improving conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The project will see significant changes to vehicle access along the avenue, which is often referred to as “Millionaires’ Row” because of its luxury beachfront homes.
Construction is scheduled to commence on 6 July, with the street being converted into a cycle-priority corridor where through-traffic will no longer be permitted. Under the new arrangements, access to Hedges Avenue will largely be restricted to local traffic, dramatically reducing the number of vehicles using the road as a shortcut between surrounding suburbs.
The Gold Coast City Council has introduced the project in response to ongoing safety concerns along the busy coastal strip. Residents, cyclists and community groups have repeatedly called for action following a series of incidents involving vehicles, bicycles and e-bikes. Several high-profile crashes and near misses in recent years heightened concerns that a serious or fatal accident could occur without significant intervention.
As part of the redesign, vehicle entry points from Albatross Avenue, Seashell Avenue and Venice Street will be closed. Access will instead be limited to streets connecting directly with the Gold Coast Highway, with traffic engineers hoping the changes will substantially reduce unnecessary vehicle movements through the area. Officials estimate the measures could reduce traffic volumes by as much as 80 per cent.
The upgrade includes extensive road resurfacing, new and improved footpaths, upgraded kerbing, traffic-calming measures, speed management infrastructure and replacement of ageing underground services, including sections of the water main network. These improvements are designed to create a safer environment for residents, schoolchildren, beachgoers and recreational cyclists who regularly use the corridor.
Local councillor Nick Marshall said the project aims to provide safer access for families walking and riding to nearby schools while reducing congestion and conflict between different road users. He acknowledged that some residents have concerns about altered traffic patterns but noted that community feedback overwhelmingly favoured prioritising safety improvements.
The works are also expected to support the future expansion of the Gold Coast Oceanway network, a long-term project that will eventually provide a continuous coastal pathway linking beaches and recreation areas across the city. Hedges Avenue has been identified as a key section of that broader active transport vision.
Long-term residents have welcomed the investment, arguing that the avenue has required significant upgrades for many years. Supporters believe the changes will make the area safer, quieter and more accessible for pedestrians while preserving access for those who live along the beachfront strip.
Construction is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2026, with completion targeted by the end of the year. Once finished, traffic conditions will be monitored and reviewed to determine whether additional adjustments are required.
