Project Overview

Autostrade per l’Italia has earned an Envision Gold Award for the Bellosguardo Service Area Project, part of a larger plan for a third lane extension of the A1 Milan-Naples motorway in the Barberino di Mugello to Firenze Nord section. This new facility on the southern carriageway demonstrates a commitment to excellence in service areas, fulfilling agreements made by ASPI with MIT/MISE that focus on elevating the quality of service areas nationwide and promoting the development of vibrant “green” spaces. By enhancing the aesthetics and overall experience, this initiative prioritizes user safety and comfort, making every stop for transit users not just a necessity, but a refreshing and enjoyable experience. Furthermore, the project extends its impact beyond the motorway boundaries by enhancing the municipal road to the village of Montebuiano. This initiative is part of a broader vision for regional improvement, demonstrating commitment to infrastructure development and context sensitiveness.

The total area for this project is approximately 36 hectares. It is bordered on the east by the motorway, on the south and west by the municipal road leading to Montebuiano, and on the north by a topography that connects to the highway. The Bellosguardo Service Area, accessible only from the southern carriageway, features two main parking areas at different altitudes connected by a ramp. This area is integrated into a system of green sloped landscapes. Key facilities include a “food & shop” building with public toilets, a fuel station, dump and fill stations for caravans/motorhomes, and spacious green areas equipped for various activities such as picnicking, playgrounds, dog parks and water fountains. A landscape park also extends to the property limits. Additionally, there are two secondary parking lots: one for employees of the service area and another reserved specifically for managing snow emergencies. The roofs of the main buildings are equipped with photovoltaic panels and ten parking spots are designated for electric vehicle charging to support sustainable low-emission mobility.

The final design for the Bellosguardo Service Area achieved Envision verification, a recognition earned through a meticulous assessment of sustainability across the five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World, and Climate and Resilience. Earning the prestigious Envision Gold Award not only reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability but also underscores the effectiveness of a comprehensive, careful, and holistic design approach. This detailed design project represents an evolved version of the original design, which received approval during the Environmental Impact Assessment and Services Conference in June 2008. The enhancements focus on optimizing the internal layout of structures, refining parking areas, and updating the range of services provided within the Service Area.