The construction of a fourth lane along the A1 motorway between Lodi and Milan in Italy has been approved in a deal worth around €389 million.
A memorandum of understanding agreement was signed between the Lombardy Region, the federal Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and motorway operator Autostrade per l'Italia, ASPI.
Under the agreement, around 16 hectares of trees will be planted, 3.4km of noise barriers installed and a network of cycle paths will be planned. Up to 75% of material from excavation work will be re-used.
The A1 is the most important motorway in Italy, linking some of the largest cities including Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. At 754 km, it is also the longest Italian autostrada and is a part of the E35 and E45 European routes.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited upgrading and modernising of the Rome motorway section of the Salaria State Highway 4 has been tendered with a price tag likely around €500 million. It will involve the widening to four lanes and improvements to junctions. Works will be divided into two lots: from Ponte Buita to Ornaro, costing nearly €300 million and from Ornaro to San Giovanni Reatino, costing just over €200 million.
The 208km-long Salaria links Rome to the Adriatic sea, passing through Rieti and Ascoli Piceno. Its route retraces that of the ancient Via Salaria Roman road. It is a single carriageway highway for most of its route, with dual carriageways sections through or around some municipalities.
