Landmark on the road to nowhere
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Landmark on the road to nowhere
Spaghetti Junction, the country's first US-style interchange, which was once considered too complicated for British drivers, celebrates its 25th birthday today.
Opened in 1972, more than 1 billion motorists have navigated the maze of motorways and slip roads. Despite its image as a road continually under repair, its first major overhaul was needed in 1984 and then again in 1995 - when more than two miles of road had to be urgently resurfaced.
Peter Walker, then Secretary of State for the Environment, cut the tape 25 years ago to open the "Gravelly Hill Interchange" and described it as "the most exciting project in the history of the road system". It is unlikely that motorists in the Midlands agree. They have been subjected to long delays and heavy congestion in the last six years, as seven out of the nine slip roads have had to be shut down for weeks at a time.
The interchange, which was built for less than pounds 11m in 1972 - although a gallon of petrol cost only 34.5p - covers 18 different roads supported by 559 concrete columns, 2.5 miles of slip roads and covers 30 acres.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments