Salerno-Reggio Calabria A3 Motorway

The macro lot 3.2 of the Salerno – Reggio Calabria motorway, now renamed the motorway of the Mediterranean, covers a distance of 20.5 Km, with 11 viaducts totalling 7,342 m and 6 tunnels, including both natural and artificial tunnels totalling 11,459 m. The construction site was located in the National Park of Pollino, an area with a turbulent mountainous landscape with peaks exceeding 2,200 m a.s.l., alternated with stunningly beautiful deep valleys.

The upgraded 20.5 Km stretch of motorway meanders its way through this complex landscape. The construction focused on the legislative adaptation of the route: the bend radius was increased to enable greater speed; the carriageways were widened, emergency lanes were built in each direction and a traffic divider was erected. Finally, all other fittings and safety structures were put in place. The most emblematic and adventurous part of the entire project is the ‘Italia viaduct’ over the Lao river, which has for many years been the highest in Europe. It is 1,161 m in length, a central span of 175 m and stands 261 m over the valley below. The tallest pillars reach a height of 130 m.