Spaghetti Junction repair crews facing dangerous flying debris

As part of the £4.7 million repairs to damaged concrete and waterproofing, Highways England workers are using high-performance jet washers that break up parts of existing concrete.

The technique is known as ‘hydrodemolition’.

Crews are also wearing special body suits to protect them from flying debris which when it breaks off, can travel faster than a bullet.

Project manager Jessica Kenny said: “Safety is always our top priority so our repair crews are wearing special body suits to protect them from flying debris which when it breaks off, can actually travel faster than a bullet.

“In fact, the water is so highly pressurised that operatives have to lean forward to about 45 degrees to counter the effects of the water jetting otherwise it would knock them off their feet.

“To put it into context, if you imagine the pressure washers that you use to clean the patio at home and multiply that by about ten times, you’re still not even close to the water pressure we’re using in this instance to complete this vital work.”

As well as wearing the protective suits, the workers operating the machinery also need to work inside a special green cage which is designed to contain flying debris to a confined space. Last weekend saw more than 356 people and 100 vehicles work on the 45-year-old structure that carries more than 220,000 vehicles a day.

Motorists travelling into Birmingham have been reminded key link roads will remain closed until September 4.

For the duration of the scheme there is no access to the A38(M) from Gravelly Hill or Tyburn Road, with local diversions in place.

Chiefs said the M6 itself remains fully open during the work, but local routes into the city centre are likely to be busier than usual.

Drivers are advised to plan their journey and allow extra time to negotiate the route.

For more information about the works, visit the website.