Autostrada

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Autostrada is the Italian word for motorways/freeways, but is used in several countries including Albania, Lithuania, Poland, Egypt, Israel, and Romania. Italy's Autostrada has one of the highest speed limits in Europe, excluding the German Autobahn. The speed limit varies but 130 km/h (~80 mph) is common; with the limits for trucks being lower, at 70mph. During times of heavy rain or snow, the speed limits for each is lowered by 12.5mph, meaning that cars would be restricted to driving at 70mph and lorries at 55mph. Unlike motorways in most other European countries, some Italian motorways have no emergency lane, or shoulder. Not having an emergency breakdown lane on the Italian motorways is seen by many foreigners as a considerable flaw.

Italy was the first country in the world in which was built a road like these ones, in particular the first one was the "Autostrada dei Laghi" (Lakes' Highway), from Milan to Varese, built in 1924. Design of the major links started in the 1950's and much of the construction was done in the 1960's.