HALIFAX -- More than a dozen people were arrested and released following a planned protest that prompted the closure of the Macdonald Bridge, which links Halifax and Dartmouth, Monday morning.

There was a heavy police presence on the Dartmouth side of the bridge for the protest, which forced many commuters to take alternate routes during the morning rush hour.

Members of the Extinction Rebellion previously announced their plans to block access to the bridge during the morning commute in an effort to raise awareness about what they say is a climate crisis.

“A lot of children and a lot of people from the younger generation, 20s, are not thinking they can have children because of the trauma of watching your children die from lack of water, lack of food or lack of air,” said Extinction Rebellion protester Tayla Paul.

Dozens of protesters like Paul waved flags and signs as they marched from a nearby transit terminal to the Macdonald Bridge toll plaza in Dartmouth, arriving around 7:35 a.m. Monday.

However, police closed the bridge to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, just before the protesters arrived, with officers blocking their access to the span.

“In consultation with our partners here at the Bridge Commission, a decision was made that, in the interest of public safety, it would be best that we close down the bridge,” said Const. John MacLeod, a spokesperson for Halifax Regional Police.

Several Halifax Transit buses were operating on detours Monday morning due to the bridge closure, with buses that usually travel on the Macdonald Bridge being rerouted to the MacKay Bridge.

The protest and subsequent bridge closure caused congestion on some main arteries throughout the Halifax and Dartmouth areas as motorists were forced to take alternate routes.

With the bike lanes on the Macdonald Bridge closed, many cyclists were forced to use the ferry, which only allows 12 cyclists on at a time. Some people waited in line for more than half an hour before snagging a spot on the boat.

“The cyclists are being disproportionately affected by, not the actions of the protesters, but by the police and other systems that are basically making it impossible for us to get back and forth,” said cyclist Brian Foster.

The incident also drew mixed reactions online and on the streets of Dartmouth, where one councillor expressed his anger over how the situation was handled.

“I think that they should move these folks – there’s a wide-open bridge here – and let people cross,” said Steve Streatch, the councillor for Waverley, Fall River, and Musquodoboit Valley.

“There’s 40 or 50 people here that have taken control and their agenda is leading there with the public who pay the bills to build this infrastructure to travel. It just doesn’t make sense to me at all and I completely disagree.”

The demonstration continued near the toll plaza for about three hours before the Bridge Commission asked police to clear the area so the bridge could reopen.

Just before 11 a.m., Halifax Regional Police gave the protesters 10 minutes to gather their things and leave the premises. Some protesters moved to the sidewalk, but some remained in the bridge lanes, prompting police to take action and make arrests.

“I think it’s really just an indication of the severity of the situation,” said protester Adam Baden-Clay. “We have decent, law-abiding people who are prepared to put their liberty on the line to really highlight and underscore how important this is.”

Police initially said they arrested 14 people under the Protection of Property Act for failing to leave the premises after being ordered to do so. However, they later corrected that number to 18.

Police say all 18 people were later released without charges.

The Macdonald Bridge reopened to all traffic shortly after noon Monday.

Roughly 40,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, along with about 1,200 people who bike or walk across the span.

The protest was just one of a number of actions happening across the country and around the world Monday.

Founded in Britain last year, Extinction Rebellion, also known as XR, now has chapters in some 50 countries. The group said Monday’s protests were taking place in 60 cities worldwide, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Berlin, London, and Madrid.

Members of the group usually sit or lie down in front of traffic until they are arrested and taken away by police officers.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Amy Stoodley and The Canadian Press

Another dragged away by police. At least 13 arrests have been made. pic.twitter.com/UzFK9DbVWM — Amy Stoodley (@amystoodley) October 7, 2019

People cheer and scream "thank-you" as last protester is arrested. There are no more protesters blocking the bridge. I am counting 15 arrests. pic.twitter.com/V3EWlifmI4 — Amy Stoodley (@amystoodley) October 7, 2019

At least 7 arrested so far for failure to leave premise after being directed to do so. Police taking more of the street, forcing journalists and protesters onto sidewalk. pic.twitter.com/TtNp9Zo3fK — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Sixth arrest happening now. pic.twitter.com/oPLDbQaNXJ — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Five people have now been arrested. pic.twitter.com/w4Q2uYuK5g — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Police barricade moving closer to protesters taking more of the road leading to bridge under police control. pic.twitter.com/iequmNL1qR — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Second protester has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/4XpSZTMyiL — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

One protestor has been dragged away by police and put in police vehicle. Trying to find out the charge. Will update soon. pic.twitter.com/eXHqjTN232 — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

10 min window given by police to protesters, to leave the bridge lanes and move to sidewalk.@CTVAtlantic pic.twitter.com/wtKghyi7F9 — Carl Pomeroy (@CarlPomeroyCTV) October 7, 2019

Some pixs of Extinction Rebellion protest, which has the Macdonald Bridge closed between Dartmouth and Halifax. No word on when it will be reopened.@CTVAtlantic @C100FM pic.twitter.com/1WeYvgxDbs — Carl Pomeroy (@CarlPomeroyCTV) October 7, 2019

Extinction Rebellion NS protesters are still gathered at the entrance to the Macdonald Bridge, Dartmouth. A very peaceful protest.Seems to be as many police here as protesters.@CTVAtlantic @C100FM pic.twitter.com/jLakAALjtl — Carl Pomeroy (@CarlPomeroyCTV) October 7, 2019

People on bikes trying to get across Halifax Harbour by boat because bike lane on Macdonald Bridge is closed. Here at Alderny landing they have 30 minute wait. Ferry can only accommodate 12 bikes at a time. pic.twitter.com/ji8d1RyNqf — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

8:00am Traffic below normal at Mackay Bridge despite closure of MacDonald Bridge. ⁦@CTVAtlantic⁩ ⁦@CTVMorningAtl⁩ pic.twitter.com/vuoeH3unPh — Paul Creelman (@PaulCreelmanCTV) October 7, 2019

At the Macdonald Bridge pic.twitter.com/ZttwteQc5G — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Macdonald Bridge is closed to traffic while protestors call for climate action. pic.twitter.com/OrzSMk7WU2 — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Police stop protestors at entrance to Macdonald Bridge. Bridge is now closed. pic.twitter.com/BYBHm4NMf2 — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Protestors on the way to shut down Macdonald Bridge. pic.twitter.com/ANrkqxpY3b — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Police waiting for protestors on Dartmouth side of Macdonald Bridge. pic.twitter.com/2VFGa7WFpl — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Traffic still moving normally on Macdonald Bridge. Protestors starting to show up. Organizers expecting 500 ppl, but much less than that here now. Event expected to start at 7:30. pic.twitter.com/2gguJQ6YHl — Amy Stoodley (@AmystoodleyCTV) October 7, 2019

Traffic slowing on Circumferential entering towards Mackay Bridge. ⁦@CTVAtlantic⁩ 7:05am pic.twitter.com/eeBYxl4hNO — Paul Creelman (@PaulCreelmanCTV) October 7, 2019

HRP are out in force this morning near the entrance to the Macdonald Bridge,Dartmouth. Officers are on foot, bicycle, and motorcycle.This presence is for the planned protest bridge shutdown to be starting at 7:30 am. @CTVAtlantic @C100FM pic.twitter.com/mSwmPvmJeS — Carl Pomeroy (@CarlPomeroyCTV) October 7, 2019

Toll Booths at the Mackay Bridge in Dartmouth. Traffic moving but some small congestion starting. Mackay should get double-duty with a protest planned for the MacDonald Bridge around 7:30. @CTVAtlantic pic.twitter.com/pHTXVzVh4N — Paul Creelman (@PaulCreelmanCTV) October 7, 2019