Millennium bridge: Centuries-old tradition revived, workers hang straw bales during repairs

London’s Millennium Bridge has revived an ancient maritime tradition during its recent closure for repairs. A straw bale is suspended from the bridge’s center to warn passing boats of reduced headroom, in accordance with an old Port of London Thames bylaw. Workers lower the bale using climbing ropes, replacing it with a white light at night. The repairs were necessary due to deterioration of the bridge membrane, and are being carried out around the clock.