A downtown Cairo metro station was closed on Sunday ahead of protests expected at the High Court near Ramses Square.

Gamal Abdel-Nasser Station, located near the High Court between Tahrir and Ramses squares, was closed following "security orders" on Sunday at 14:00, metro spokesperson Ahmed Abdel-Hady told Ahram Online.

Security forces were also heavily deployed in the area in anticipation of protests planned by revolutionary groups against a court verdict clearing toppled president Hosni Mubarak. 

Abdel-Hady said he expects the station to reopen later Sunday, while interior ministry officials said closing the station was a "precautionary temporary measure."  

On Saturday evening, police dispersed hundreds of protesters near Tahrir and Abdel-Moneim Riad squares – both to close Gamal Abdel-Nasser Station.

Sadat Station in Tahrir Square also remains closed.

Downtown Cairo is already suffering a choking traffic problem after security forces closed all roads to Tahrir Square on Saturday.

Sadat Station has been closed for over a year, leaving only Al-Shohada Station in Ramses connecting the metro's two lines, which causes heavy overcrowding underground.