ANAS, short for Azienda Nazionale Autonoma delle Strade, is Italy’s national road authority responsible for managing and maintaining the country's network of motorways and state roads. Founded in 1928, ANAS has been central to Italy’s development, linking cities, towns, ports, and borders through a vast and evolving infrastructure system.
As a subsidiary of the FS Group since 2018, ANAS operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. It plays a strategic role in national mobility, not only through road maintenance but also by designing future transport corridors and implementing intelligent mobility solutions across Italy.
The Mission and Structure of ANAS
The mission of ANAS is to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable road infrastructure for the movement of people and goods. It maintains over 30,000 kilometers of roads, including state highways, ring roads, and key arterial routes that support tourism, logistics, and economic growth.
Organisationally, ANAS is divided into regional departments that handle local operations and technical centers that coordinate design, innovation, and engineering. The central headquarters in Rome oversees strategy, budgeting, digital transformation, and collaboration with national and European institutions.
ANAS and Italy’s Strategic Road Network
The Italian road network managed by ANAS includes national roads (strade statali), parts of the autostrade (motorways), tunnels, viaducts, and bridges. These routes form the backbone of Italian road mobility, linking the entire peninsula from the Alps to Sicily.
Many of these roads are toll-free and directly managed by ANAS, unlike tolled motorways operated by private concessionaires. The authority is also responsible for border roads that connect Italy to neighboring countries, ensuring continuity in international transport corridors.
Maintenance and Safety as Top Priorities
One of ANAS’s core responsibilities is road maintenance, ensuring infrastructure is safe and functional throughout the year. This includes resurfacing, bridge inspections, winter snow removal, vegetation control, and emergency response after natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes.
Safety campaigns, regular road condition surveys, and risk mapping are also key components of ANAS operations. Its “zero victims” vision drives efforts to reduce road fatalities through better signage, lighting, guardrails, and the use of smart monitoring systems.
Smart Roads and Technological Innovation
ANAS is leading Italy’s transition toward smart roads. Through projects such as the Smart Road program, the authority is equipping selected highways with digital infrastructure, 5G coverage, sensor networks, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems.
These features enable autonomous driving trials, real-time traffic updates, and weather alerts directly to drivers. The goal is to create safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transport corridors by integrating artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud-based traffic management.
Major Projects and Future Investments
ANAS is involved in several high-profile infrastructure projects. These include the expansion of major state highways, bridge reconstructions, and new tunnels to reduce travel time and increase safety. Many of these works are co-funded through national recovery programs and EU cohesion funds.
Among the most ambitious plans are the upgrades to the Rome-L'Aquila, Salerno-Reggio Calabria, and Catania-Palermo routes. ANAS is also exploring green road building technologies, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of asphalt and construction materials.
Sustainability and Green Mobility
In alignment with Italy’s climate goals, ANAS is actively integrating sustainability into its infrastructure policies. The authority is promoting low-impact construction, use of recycled materials, and energy-efficient systems in new road development and maintenance operations.
Photovoltaic lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, and intelligent traffic regulation are being added to the most travelled corridors. ANAS also supports soft mobility by building pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, and green corridors where feasible, especially near urban areas.
Emergency Response and National Resilience
In times of natural disasters or extreme weather events, ANAS plays a critical emergency response role. The organisation operates a 24/7 road monitoring center and a mobile fleet equipped for rapid deployment to restore access and assess damage across affected areas.
Its teams work in coordination with civil protection units, police forces, and local authorities to reopen transport links and ensure public safety. ANAS’s ability to respond quickly is vital in mountainous or coastal regions where landslides or flooding can isolate communities.
ANAS and the European Transport Network
ANAS is deeply involved in the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Italy is a key node in this EU-backed infrastructure project that aims to connect all member states with seamless and sustainable road, rail, and port systems.
Many ANAS-managed routes are designated as part of the TEN-T corridors, receiving European funding for upgrades and expansion. The agency participates in international working groups to harmonise safety standards, environmental protocols, and technological innovation across borders.
Collaboration with the FS Group
Since becoming part of the FS Group, ANAS has increasingly integrated its planning with the railway network. The collaboration supports a multimodal mobility vision that aims to reduce congestion, improve freight movement, and offer more sustainable alternatives to road transport.
This partnership is especially important for logistic hubs, intermodal terminals, and the efficient movement of goods across the country. By linking roads with rail, ports, and airports, ANAS is contributing to a more connected and competitive national infrastructure system.
Digital Services and Road Users
ANAS offers a range of digital tools for road users, including mobile apps and an online portal where travellers can check real-time traffic conditions, closures, detours, and weather alerts. Users can also report hazards or damage directly through these channels.
The “Vai” app and the ANAS website provide route planning and live traffic cameras. These services are designed to enhance transparency, safety, and travel convenience for both daily commuters and long-distance drivers navigating the national road network.
Employment, Training, and Engineering Excellence
ANAS employs thousands of workers, from road crews and engineers to administrative and digital innovation staff. It also collaborates with universities and technical institutions to develop future talent in civil engineering, transport planning, and IT systems.
Through internal training programs, research labs, and partnerships with construction firms, ANAS fosters innovation in road design, construction materials, and sustainability practices. The agency’s technical expertise is often called upon for major public works and emergency repairs.
Challenges Facing ANAS
Despite its critical role, ANAS faces several challenges. These include ageing infrastructure, increasing vehicle volume, extreme weather impacts, and the complexity of coordinating with regional and municipal governments for project approvals.
Delays in public procurement, budget constraints, and bureaucratic hurdles can slow progress. However, ongoing reforms aim to streamline operations, reduce corruption risks, and accelerate the completion of priority infrastructure works across the country.
Conclusion: ANAS as a Pillar of Italian Mobility
ANAS is more than a road operator. It is a strategic institution supporting Italy’s economy, safety, and connectivity through its vast road network and infrastructure initiatives. From smart roads to emergency responses, it plays a foundational role in daily life and national development.
With growing investments in technology, sustainability, and European integration, ANAS is evolving to meet the future needs of mobility. As it continues to innovate and expand, the agency remains a crucial player in shaping how Italy moves, builds, and connects with the world.
