Mexico City — Officials in Mexico City says they will close off some parts of the historic downtown district to allow a production team to film parts of the new James Bond thriller, Spectre. The city of 8 million people is known for its heavy traffic, which might otherwise interfere with filming.

Officials say the first street closings will start Thursday and shutdowns will be done at various locations through April 1. Affected areas include streets with buildings dating back to the 17th century and the city's vast central plaza, the Zocalo.

Production staffers have apparently already prepared some spots downtown, including one street crowded with traditional "Day of the Dead" decorations.

The Sam Mendes-directed movie starring Daniel Craig is scheduled to film in London, Italy, Morocco, Mexico and Austria.