John
04-26-2009, 08:27 PM
Spaghetti Junction 'to be visible from space'
Birmingham's Spaghetti Junction could soon be visible from space under council plans to illuminate the giant interchange.
Council officials want to illuminate the flyover network to turn it into a landmark as part of a £6 billion makeover of the city.
Clive Dutton, director of planning at Birmingham City Council, said: "It is an extraordinary structure, one that is known around the country, but we feel as though it can have a massive impact around the world.
"It's an ambitious project, but what a thrill it would be to think that astronauts in space would be able to look down on earth and spot Spaghetti Junction glowing at night."
The plan is currently at the drawing board stage, and officials are still unsure how many lights would be required and the Highways Agency would have to be consulted.
But the council has already applied for lottery funding for the project, and hopes that private investors will also contribute to keep public expenditure to a minimum.
If everything runs smoothly the lights could be switched on as early as next year.
Spaghetti Junction was opened in 1972. It links the M6, Aston Expressway, A38 and A5127 above two railway lines, three canals and two rivers.
Birmingham's Spaghetti Junction could soon be visible from space under council plans to illuminate the giant interchange.
Council officials want to illuminate the flyover network to turn it into a landmark as part of a £6 billion makeover of the city.
Clive Dutton, director of planning at Birmingham City Council, said: "It is an extraordinary structure, one that is known around the country, but we feel as though it can have a massive impact around the world.
"It's an ambitious project, but what a thrill it would be to think that astronauts in space would be able to look down on earth and spot Spaghetti Junction glowing at night."
The plan is currently at the drawing board stage, and officials are still unsure how many lights would be required and the Highways Agency would have to be consulted.
But the council has already applied for lottery funding for the project, and hopes that private investors will also contribute to keep public expenditure to a minimum.
If everything runs smoothly the lights could be switched on as early as next year.
Spaghetti Junction was opened in 1972. It links the M6, Aston Expressway, A38 and A5127 above two railway lines, three canals and two rivers.