A light-rail train leaving downtown Minneapolis broke down Thursday morning and blocked traffic at an intersection.

The Hiawatha line train had an "unknown mechanical problem" shortly before 8 a.m. just short of the Metrodome platform and impeded vehicles at Chicago Avenue S. and S. 5th Street for about 15 minutes, said Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland.

A few minutes into the delay, the train's operator notified passengers of "mechanical difficulties."

About 10 minutes into the delay, the train crept to the platform and the doors opened. From there, the train was taken away for inspection, Siqveland said.

The inconvenienced passengers were directed to two other arriving trains for continuation of their southbound travels, the spokesman said.

PAUL WALSH