IT IS one of Birmingham's most famous landmarks. A vital artery which supplies lifeblood to the West Midlands.
Spaghetti Junction also has a strategic importance which stretches far beyond our region.
So the revelation that part of the ageing structure is crumbling so badly that engineers are having to monitor part of 'underbelly' 24 hours a day are extremely worrying.
We commend the authorities for taking the action they have.
The last thing we want is a disaster on a road which carries tens of thousands of people every day.
That said, now that the damage has been spotted let us have some very senior people looking at what needs to be done.
Decisions on how this problem needs to be tackled and what money needs to invested in the crumbling structure need to be taken immediately.
Otherwise we could find our region crippled at an unthinkable cost.
Questions also need to be asked about why the infrastructure was allowed to deteriorate so badly.
One local councillor has been led to believe the damage was found by accident while other works were being carried out.
A thorough investigation needs to determine what checks can be put in place to make sure such problems are picked up as early as possible.
But first let's act now to get Spaghetti Junction working properly again.