New Zealand / Wellington Region

Protesters cause traffic chaos in Wellington, block lanes on Ngauranga Gorge flyover

11:50 am on 8 September 2023

The road reopened just after 9am. Photo: RNZ / Ellie Franco

Two climate protesters are due to appear in court after causing traffic disruption on the motorway in Wellington this morning.

A 55-year-old woman has been charged with endangering transport.

A 49-year-old man is set to appear on the same charge and breaching bail conditions.

The protesters blocked the southbound lanes of the Ngauranga Gorge flyover on State Highway 1.

Southbound traffic between the Hutt Road and Aotea off-ramp was closed for a time, with Waka Kotahi confirming it had reopened just after 9am.

Traffic was backed up in all directions leading onto the motorway because of the Restore Passenger Rail protest.

A RNZ reporter said at least five police cars were stuck in the traffic jam in the southbound lanes.

Waka Kotahi said drivers could avoid the flyover and detour into the city via the Old Hutt Road but lengthy travel delays were expected.

In a statement earlier today, police said officers were responding to the protest activity.

One protester had been "secured" on a gantry to ensure their safety during rush-hour traffic, police said.

The person has now been removed from the gantry and normal traffic flow has resumed.

"We thank motorists once again for their patience," a police spokesperson said.

It was the fourth time Restore Passenger Rail protesters have caused disruption in the past two weeks.