Technical Specifications
For most of its length, the A22 features two lanes in each direction, each 3.75 metres wide, and an emergency lane that was originally 2.50 metres wide but was subsequently widened to 3.50 metres on the Egna–Verona section to allow it to be used as a dynamic lane depending on traffic flows.
The route has a total elevation difference of approximately 1,300 metres and a complex infrastructure comprising around 31.2 km of bridges and viaducts, 30 one-way tunnels and 146 overpasses, reflecting the project’s engineering complexity across a territory characterised by highly varied topography.
Over a distance of approximately 289 km, the A22 is fitted with a draining and noise-absorbing road surface that reduces the risk of aquaplaning and splash and spray effect. The remaining 25 km – comprising tunnels, certain engineering structures and sections in the area between Vipiteno and Brenner – feature Antiskid surfacing that guarantees high performance even in adverse weather conditions and enhances the effectiveness of de-icing treatments, while also protecting the road structure.
The safety barriers (known as ‘guardrails’) along the A22 are made of COR-TEN steel, a material that develops a natural protective patina against corrosion and ensures greater mechanical strength and, consequently, better impact absorption. All barriers are certified to European standards and tested at specialist laboratories such as L.I.E.R. in Lyon and AISICO in Rome and bear the CE mark.
Noise barriers are installed along the A22 for a total length of 92.7 km. Designed with effectiveness and safety in mind, they also have significant landscape value, combining environmental protection, innovation (e.g. the photovoltaic noise barrier at Marano d’Isera – TN) and a multidisciplinary approach that harmonises infrastructure with the natural environment.
There are 146 overpasses crossing the A22. Most of them have been upgraded and are designed and built to blend into the local landscape and minimise environmental impact.
On the section between Egna and Verona (approximately 123 km long), the hard shoulder has been widened from 2.50 m to 3.50 m. This not only improves safety in the event of an emergency stop but also allows for two traffic lanes to be kept operational during any maintenance work on the carriageway and, in the event of heavy traffic, enables the hard shoulder to be used as an additional traffic lane (dynamic lane).
The anti-fog system along the A22 stretches from Affi to Modena for 106 km and consists of a light guide made up of LED lights and sensors. The system automatically activates the relevant section of the system as required, with the lamps switching on at varying intensities depending on visibility.
There are 429 emergency lay-bys along the A22, which can be used in the event of a breakdown or if medical assistance is required.
All junctions and tunnels on the A22 are equipped with lighting systems. To improve visibility in tunnels, LED lights are used for the light guide as well as solutions such as white walls or porcelain panels that enhance brightness and driving safety.
To ensure maximum visibility of vertical signage (signs), both day and night, Autostrada del Brennero uses high-reflectivity films. Road markings (lines and text on the road surface) are applied using highly durable paints and materials, such as thermosprayed plastics and elastoplastic laminates. The durability and effectiveness of the road markings are checked regularly using in-house equipment and by specialist laboratories.
A metal fence is installed all along the motorway to protect the route. The height varies between 1.20 and 1.90 metres depending on the characteristics of the section, such as bridges, viaducts and junctions, with the aim of ensuring the safety and continuity of the barrier along the entire infrastructure.
