98 E80...

The route from Menaggio to Monte Carlo is mainly covered using the E80, which is, from what I can tell, the equivalent of the M1 in Italy - only much, much longer! Here is some information about one of Italy's most famous roads.

The E80 is a major trans-European highway, part of the European route network, that spans from Lisbon, Portugal, to the border of Turkey in eastern Europe.  In Italy, it is a crucial route connecting various regions and facilitating transport across the country.  The E80 runs through Italy from the French border in the west, near Ventimiglia, to the eastern Adriatic coast, near Ancona, continuing into Slovenia and Croatia.

Route Overview in Italy

The Italian section of the E80 is approximately 684 miles long. It mainly comprises high-speed motorways and some stretches of local and national roads.  The route covers much of Italy's length, connecting key cities, ports, and regions and providing a link between Italy and other European countries.

Western Section (Genoa to French Border): Starting near Ventimiglia, the E80 enters France from Italy as part of the A10 motorway, also known as the 'Autostrada dei Fiori' (Motorway of Flowers).  This scenic coastal stretch offers views of the Ligurian Sea and connects towns like Sanremo, Savona, and Genoa.

Key Cities and Regions Along the Route

The E80 passes through or near several key cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic regions, making it an important road for tourism and commerce.

Genoa: A historic port city with an old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Genoa has a vibrant maritime heritage, famous palaces, and cultural sites.

Ventimiglia and Sanremo: Near the French border, known for their Riviera charm, beaches, and the annual Sanremo Music Festival.

Scenic Highlights

The Italian section of the E80 offers a mix of coastal and mountain scenery, passing through Liguria's Mediterranean landscapes, the rugged Apennine Mountains, and the rolling hills of Tuscany.  The coastal route offers breathtaking views of the sea, while the stretch through central Italy provides picturesque views of olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hill towns.  

Practical Information

Tolls: Like many Italian highways, the E80 includes tolls on several sections, especially along the A10, A12, and A14 motorways.

Service Areas: Service stations with fuel, restrooms, and dining are readily available along the E80, catering to the high traffic from local and international travellers.

Importance for Transport and Trade

The E80 is a crucial transportation route for freight and commercial vehicles, linking Italy's eastern and western borders and facilitating trade across southern Europe.  Its route near port cities like Genoa and Ancona and ferry links to Greece and other Adriatic countries make it vital to Europe's trade and logistics network.  The route also serves as a transit corridor for goods from Italy's industrial northern regions.

Challenges and Ongoing Developments

The E80 faces challenges such as traffic congestion, especially in urban areas like Genoa, and the need for maintenance due to heavy usage and occasional landslides along the mountainous stretches.  Infrastructure improvements are ongoing to enhance road safety and capacity.  Some areas, particularly near Genoa, have seen major renovation projects in recent years following the collapse of the Morandi Bridge in 2018, which highlighted the need for updates to Italy's ageing infrastructure.

Tourist Significance

The E80 allows tourists to explore Italy's Riviera, central historical regions, and the Adriatic coast. It offers easy access to Italy's famous art cities, coastal towns, and countryside, making it a popular route for road trips through Italy.