Porirua scrub fire halts traffic and trains

6:18 pm on 1 February 2022

A scrub fire between the motorway and railway tracks on State Highway 59 in Porirua is now under control.

A firefighter on scene at an incident. 6 July 2016.

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

The fire, between the Titahi Bay on/off ramp and the Kāpiti Train Link, started about 4pm, and closed traffic ramps and train tracks.

The fire was about 50 metres wide at its peak, but Fire and Emergency said its size had since reduced.

All roads have now reopened, but Waka Kotahi said people should expect significant delays as traffic heading north remains congested.

Train services have also resumed on Wellington's Kāpiti Line, but travellers are being told to expect delays and possible cancellations.

Alternative bus services aren't available because of major traffic congestion in the Porirua area.