A short section of an avenue in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is being closed until New Year’s Day to serve a days-long festival to usher in the year 2018.

Traffic is barred from the part of Le Duan that cuts through Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Pasteur Streets in District 1 from Thursday this week to 5:00 am on Monday next week, according to the municipal transport department.

The road blockade is meant to make space for a New Year-themed artistic event.

The red section indicates the part of Le Duan Boulevard being blocked.

Le Duan, connecting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens with the Reunification Palace, is one of the main avenues in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

The boulevard runs through the middle of the 30/4 Park, surrounded by Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Han Thuyen, Alexandre de Rhodes, Pham Ngoc Thach and Cong Xa Paris Streets.

The park is usually chosen as the hosting place for cultural and musical events thanks to its prime location.

During the temporary traffic ban, commuters are advised to follow either of the alternative routes below.

Alternative route 1:

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia => Alexandre de Rhodes => Pham Ngoc Thach => Le Duan

Or

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia => Han Thuyen => Pasteur => Le Duan

Alternative route 2:

Le Duan => Pasteur => Alexandre de Rhodes => Nam Ky Khoi Nghia

Or

Le Duan => Cong Xa Paris => Han Thuyen => Nam Ky Khoi Nghia.