As the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, spreads throughout the globe and keeps millions in lockdown, it’s the little things that add a bright spot to otherwise dreary days. In an ironic twist of events, London city officials used the temporary halt in traffic to restore one of the most iconic music-related sites in the world, the Abbey Road crosswalk.
Ever since The Beatles put out their 11th studio release, Abbey Road, in 1969, the location of the album’s cover has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the U.K., and even a national landmark. Millions have traveled to the Abbey Road Studios to catch a glimpse (and photo) of the crosswalk, usually with no concern about the traffic mayhem their presence may cause. After more than 50 years of high tourist traffic, the crosswalk found itself in rough shape, with little of the white paint remaining:
Because of the decrease in foot and vehicular traffic due to government-mandated social distancing and self-quarantine, London has decided to re-paint the landmark:
Now, the Abbey Road crosswalk has been restored to its former glory and ready for decades more of tourist photographs:
[H/TÂ UCR]