City transport in Minsk will not stop at the Palace of Sport stop on Victory Avenue during New Year celebrations, the municipal operator Minsktrans has confirmed. The interruption affects services heading towards Masherov Avenue as large public events are scheduled close to the venue.
Minsk Palace of Sport stop closure
Minsktrans said the Palace of Sport stop will be temporarily suspended from the evening of 31 December until 04:00 on 1 January. Services will also be cancelled again on 1 January from around 13:00 until approximately 23:30. The operator urged passengers to check individual timetables and route notices before travelling.
The halt in service follows long-standing tradition: a festive programme is staged on the site each New Year, drawing crowds and requiring extra safety and traffic management measures. Organisers and city services expect higher pedestrian flows and have arranged the closures to keep people safe while the event runs.
Commuters who normally use the Palace of Sport stop should allow extra time for journeys and use alternative stops on routes along Victory Avenue or Masherov Avenue. Minsktrans and local authorities recommended following updates on official channels for the latest diversion and schedule information, as timings may shift to accommodate the event or public-safety decisions.
In addition to the suspended stop, Minsk police have warned residents and visitors that full traffic restrictions may be imposed on Victory Avenue between Melnikayte Street and the junction of Svobody Square with Internatsionalnaya Street during New Year’s night and on the evening of 1 January. The measure could close the carriageway completely for periods to allow the celebration and related operations to proceed without the risk of vehicle–pedestrian conflicts.
Authorities also announced limits on stopping and parking in zones close to the Palace of Sport, October Square and parts of the Upper Town. Drivers are asked to avoid these areas where possible and to use designated parking facilities. The restrictions aim to ensure emergency access and maintain crowd circulation around the event site.
Transport staff will be on duty throughout the holiday period to assist passengers and to implement diversions where necessary. Those travelling to central Minsk for New Year events should plan routes in advance and consider walking from nearby stops if feasible. Taxis and ride-hailing services may face delays; passengers should allow extra time and confirm pick-up locations away from restricted streets.
For people visiting Minsk for New Year festivities, organisers advised arriving early to allow time for security checks and to follow signage and steward instructions at the venue. Families and those with mobility needs should consult Minsktrans and the event organiser for information on accessible routes and services.
The temporary transport changes form part of routine crowd-management plans that the city implements for large-scale public events. While they will cause short-term inconvenience for some travellers, officials said the measures are intended to protect public safety and ensure the celebrations can proceed smoothly.
Passengers should monitor Minsktrans posts and the municipal website for any last-minute changes. Keeping informed will help avoid disruption and ensure a safer, more orderly experience for both residents and visitors during the New Year period.
Key Takeaways:
- The Minsk Palace of Sport stop will be closed on Victory Avenue on the evening of 31 December and during parts of 1 January for New Year events.
- Services will be suspended until 04:00 on 1 January and again roughly from 13:00 to 23:30 on the same day; passengers should expect route changes.
- Police warned of possible full traffic restrictions along Victory Avenue between Melnikayte Street and the Svobody–Internatsionalnaya junction on New Year’s night and the evening of 1 January.
- Nearby areas including October Square and the Upper Town will face stopping and parking limits; travellers are advised to follow Minsktrans updates and plan alternatives.
