Motorists faced an obstacle course in some parts of Maine on Tuesday, with stoplights out and some roads closed while workers cleared debris and repaired damaged roads.

Busy intersections became four-way stops, as motorists waited in line before taking a turn to pass through.

The outages also affected the Amtrak Downeaster, which was unable to cross some roads without first having an employee get off the train to stop cross traffic.

In Portland, the morning commute slowed to a crawl at some intersections as motorists made their way to work.

Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck said police were directing traffic when the need arose, depending on the resources.

“We did some traffic control work on Monday during rush hour at Washington and Veranda (streets) and Washington and Presumpscot, but those traffic signals are operational now. The Auburn Street and Park Avenue lights are still out. Stop signs have been deployed and we are monitoring it for now,” Sauschuck said Tuesday morning.

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Ted Talbot, spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation, said hundreds of state workers were assisting CMP crews by clearing debris. Talbot said every light where there’s a power outage should be treated as a four-way stop.

Talbot said storm debris on the interstates had been mostly cleared by Tuesday.

In Falmouth, municipal officials were dealing not only with power outages, but several road closures. Parts of Brook and Woodville roads, and all of Hadlock Road and Bartlett Way were closed Tuesday morning.

The Downeaster canceled rail service Monday and for at least part of Tuesday between Boston and Brunswick because of power outages and downed trees.

The first three round-trips of the Downeaster between Portland and Boston scheduled for Tuesday were canceled because of power outages. Most service was expected to be restored Wednesday.

Joe Lawlor can be contacted at 791-6376 or at:

jlawlor@pressherald.com

Twitter: @joelawlorph


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