The crosswalk made famous on the Beatles' Abbey Road album cover has been named a site of national importance. According to Reuters, the stretch of road outside Abbey Road Studios in north London was designated a Grade II listed site by Britain's Department for Culture, Media and Sport -- meaning that it cannot be altered without approval from local authorities.

 

After hearing the news, Paul McCartney said, "It's been a great year for me and a great year for the Beatles and hearing that the Abbey Road crossing is to be preserved is the icing on the cake."

 

In a statement, John Penrose, Britain's minister for tourism and heritage, said, "This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-minute photoshoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage."

 

Each year thousands of people visit the pedestrian crossing featured on the Fab Four's album cover.

 

The actual Abbey Road Studios were listed Grade II in February.