Traffic was disrupted in part of Dunedin for more than 20 minutes this afternoon after the railway level crossing warning system malfunctioned.
Warning lights continued to flash and the audible alarm kept sounding, although the safety barrier arms had apparently risen at the St Andrew St crossing.
No further trains arrived, and some cars apparently drove across the rail tracks.
However trucks and some cars apparently waited, and at least one truck driver telephoned emergency services.
Lines of vehicles blocked the approaches to the crossing for some time.
KiwiRail executive general manager of operations Siva Sivapakkiam said the signal fault occurred at 2.50pm and was repaired by 3.12pm.
"We apologise for any disruption this may have caused and thank motorists for their patience while our technician carried out the repairs," Mr Sivapakkiam said.
A police spokeswoman said the incident was reported about 2.45pm and police had contacted KiwiRail train control.
Police had also attended and helped at the scene, the spokeswoman said.
