AUBURN – Mechanical problems left a train stranded briefly across Court Street on Friday night, blocking traffic by the busy intersection near Denny’s.

“They broke down, of all places,” said police Sgt. Gary Boulet.

The train stopped at roughly 10 p.m. and was expected to be back in service within 20 minutes. In the meantime, officers spanned different intersections directing traffic.

Police said the train didn’t hit anyone or anything.

The call to dispatch reporting the problem came from railroad owner Guilford Industries’ headquarters in Billerica, Mass.

– Kathryn Skelton