Existed: 1964 – present South end: A3 / A16 in Naples Constructed 1964 | North end: A50 / A51 in Milan Length 759.6 km Major cities Rome, Florence, Bologna | |
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Regions: Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Campania Highway system International E-road network, Autostrade of Italy | ||
The Autostrada A1, or Autostrada del Sole, literally "Sun Motorway" or Autosole, is an Italian motorway that connects Milan with Naples via Bologna, Florence, and Rome. At 754 km, it is the longest Italian autostrada and is considered the spinal cord of the country's road network.
It is a part of the E35 and E45 European roads.
Contents
Map of A1 - Autostrada del Sole, Italy
A substantial section of New A1 is being constructed south of Bologna to provide a safer mountain crossing in bad weather. This section is named the Variante di Valico. The current parallel route will continue to be designated as a motorway.
History
Building works began in 1956, and the entire track was opened on 4 October 1964 by then-prime minister Aldo Moro. All the 1950s and 1960s administrations wanted this major infrastructure project to be completed as quickly as possible, as it was a great boost for the national economy.
The part between Rome and Naples was originally numbered A2, but was incorporated into A1 following the opening of Rome bypass from Fiano Romano to San Cesareo on July 21, 1988.