The first purpose-built motorway opened for use 100 years ago. This was not in Germany as many assume, but was in Italy, connecting Milan and Varese, some 57km apart.
This access controlled route featured just two lanes, which was sufficient for the tiny number of motor vehicles on Italian roads at the time. This was designed by the Italian engineer, Piero Puricelli. Today the motorway route has been widened significantly and now forms part of the A8 Autostrada. However, a 3km section of the original two lane road remains in use on the southern side of Varese and is called the Via Autostrada.
