Protesters scale gantry above Wellington motorway, demand return of passenger rail

Three people have been taken into custody after scaling above Wellington's urban motorway and calling for passenger rail to be reinstated.

Three protesters climbed the gantry on Monday morning and hung a large orange and black banner reading "restore passenger rail".

A police spokesperson confirmed the people have been taken into custody and charges are being considered.

The southbound lane that was temporarily closed has now reopened to traffic.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warned traffic delays are expected to continue as the blocked lanes clear.

FINAL UPDATE 12:55PM

The earlier incident has now been CLEARED and all southbound lanes are now OPEN. Motorists should expect some delays until all queued vehicles have cleared. ^JP https://t.co/BxmfiXjq6l

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) October 9, 2022

Spokesperson James Cockle said the decision to disrupt traffic was "not taken lightly".

"We told the Government that we would begin civil resistance if they did not agree to Restore Passenger Rail. Affordable and accessible passenger rail will help bring people together. It's the right thing to do in the middle of a climate emergency," the group said.

It is also holding demonstrations in Dunedin, Nelson and Auckland.

Protesters can be seen in the gantry above the closed motorway. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A police spokesperson told the Herald they were called to the protest at 8.15am and are responding.

Motorists entering Wellington via State Highway 1 are advised to expect delays and diversions are in place on the southbound lanes approaching the city.