Protesters set up a blockade on a CN Rail line west of Edmonton Wednesday morning (Feb.19). 

About 30 members of the group Cuzzins for Wet'suwet'en blocked the tracks just off the Yellowhead Highway near Acheson.

"We called the rail company to let them know we're blockading this rail at 3:30 a.m. and they had a train coming down the rail at 4 a.m. so it was pretty hectic, trying to set up a blockade while the train was coming at us," said Poundmaker, one of the demonstrators. "The blockade stays up until Coastal GasLine and the RCMP get off the Wet'suwet'en territory. Once that happens, we're gone." 

CN Rail lawyers were in court Wednesday afternoon and an emergency injunction was granted for 30 days across Alberta. Approximately $135-million worth of freight was affected. 

The nation-wide protests are a showing of solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs, who oppose construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline project through their territory.

"Blocking of economically critical infrastructure such as rail lines is an offence and will not be tolerated," stated Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer. "Albertans will not be economic hostages to law-breaking extremists." 

Groups of counter-protesters arrived on scene around noon, engaging in shouting matches, countless debates and even the removal of pallets and barrels used in the blockade.  

Both CN Police and Edmonton Police Service were on scene watching over the demonstrations. Several of the protesters told reporters they planned to stay on site until they're arrested.