Green is the color of the Autostrada. This color is displayed on all signs leading to major toll highways throughout the country. Autostrade names begin with the letter A — example: the A1 is the main north-south route from Milan to Naples. If you are in the market for maps and see a preponderance of Italian highways marked with an E such as E35 instead of A1, buy another map. The letter E is the European Union’s marking and is much less used in Italy. Actually, your best bet is to either rent a GPS or if you own one already, buy a Europe software chip from the manufacturer and slide it in before you travel.
The first thing one notices upon entering Italy’s privatized network of toll highways is how smooth and even the surfaces are. The Autostrade are constantly maintained, and whenever work is in progress, drivers are warned and edged over gradually with signs marking how much distance is left before a lane closes. On the left hand side every kilometer is marked by a small sign. This is useful should you break down and need assistance. The left hand side also displays additional small signs at regular intervals informing you of how far it is to the nearest exit, rest areas and major destinations along the route.
Every bridge you traverse or tunnel you enter is named and the span or length is noted. Every overhead you pass under is numbered. For those traveling with children, these markings can be a fun distraction. When you see arrow signs bunched together in the distance, the road is informing you of a curve ahead and the need to slow down.
Unmistakably large signs either overhead or on the right display upcoming exits and are repeated with additional information as to where those exits lead. For instance, if the exit leads to another Autostrada in the network, that sign is green with the name of the highway and major destination listed.
Black and white signs lead to city centers, stadiums and airports.
Blue signs — Super Strade (SS) — denote numbered routes and their destination. SS roads have lower speed limits and often pass through other towns. A Tangenziale or a Raccordo are stretches of road that link major destinations. Some may charge a small toll. Just remember green is usually faster and blue is often slower.
A perfect example of the difference between a blue numbered SS route and a green Raccordo or Tangenziale is the Firenze-Siena Raccordo and the blue SS222. Both roads link Florence to Siena. The green Fi-Si Raccordo takes less than 45 minutes to complete. The SS222 links the same two cities in two and a half hours. The SS222 is far more scenic and winds its way through dozens of small Chianti hill towns and valleys between Florence and Siena. Most blue roads were originally built by the ancient Romans to move commerce and their legions throughout their dominion.
Occasionally you will encounter overhead electronic signs on the Autostrada that display information on what lies ahead such as traffic conditions or inclement weather. The word CODE (see above image) means tails and signifies a backup ahead. Messages are both written and visual, so even if you can’t read it, you can still make out the symbols for snow or traffic. The above message states that there are backups on the A14 in the direction of the Modena Sud (south) exit. The red SOS sign in the lower right is equipped with an emergency phone line to report an accident or breakdown.
Every dozen or more miles there is a rest area on the Autostrada where you can buy gas, get a snack and use the restroom. Watch for signs showing an espresso cup. Full service rest areas, marked with a knife and spoon, have a restaurant, ATM and all manner of goods from groceries to maps, baseball caps, magazines and toothpaste. More about these comforting oases next.
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