Spielberg film Ready Player One stars Spaghetti junction

The foundations of the 50-year-old Birmingham road – officially known as Gravelly Hill interchange – formed the backdrop of Ready Player One, which was filmed in August and September 2016.

A ‘camp’ was built underneath and included props like cars and tyres, while special templates featuring graffiti were stuck to the concrete columns – some of which reach up to 80 feet high.

The film, based on Ernest Cline’s novel, is set in the year 2045 and follows a young gamer escaping the real world for an immersive virtual universe.

Frank Bird, Highways England, said it was an opportunity that they could not refuse: “We’re thrilled to finally see the structure on the big screen and we were more than happy to facilitate filming for the staff and crew that were down on-site.

“We spent considerable weeks working with the film company and producers and they were really pleased to be allowed access underneath the road.

“Those travelling on the road had no idea what was taking place underneath and that is testament to the hard work and organisation that went into this facilitating this project.

“Work started on Spaghetti Junction some 50 years ago this year and it’s great to see that the road continues to hold international acclaim.”

Spaghetti Junction carries more than 220,000 vehicles every day and is subject to regular maintenance projects, many of which go unseen by the road users.