IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME ITALIAN HIGHWAY NETWORK

The investment programme concerns the modernisation and upgrade of the highway network operated and managed by ASPI, covering a total length of 2,855 km. In particular, it includes the following works: - Seismic upgrading and structural reinforcement of 40 bridges and viaducts (in line with the EU and national standards post Morandi bridge collapse), including the demolition/reconstruction, reinforcement of deck and substructure as well as renewal of crash barriers on bridges and viaducts in line with the EU Standard EN 1317; - Replacement of crash safety and noise barriers, including more than 66,700 linear metres of safety barriers and the installation of more than 85,000 linear metres of new noise barriers; - Alignment of 87 existing tunnel tubes in terms of structural reinforcement (IRS) and renewal interventions (TRS); - Smart and Intelligent Roads; - Modernisation of ASPI's installation, including works to reduce CO2 emissions (energy-efficiency renovation of buildings, replacement of lighting with LED) and upgrade of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to optimise traffic flow and safety; - Modernisation of ASPI's IT infrastructure, including the installation of 871 linear kilometres of fiber optic; - Installation of 98 e-vehicle charging stations across ASPI's highway network including at least 2 ultra-fast DC charging units of 300 kW.

The main objectives are to safeguard and upgrade the assets, to improve road safety, to reduce pollution, notably noise as well as develop ITS services and electric recharging stations. The project is not expected to lead to any traffic capacity increase. Moreover, it is expected that no material interventions will occur beyond the existing right of way.

None of the project's components are included in the categories of works listed Annexes II, III and IV, as set out in Article 6(6) of the Italian Consolidated Environmental Law (Testo Unico Ambiente - TUA) D.Lgs 152/06 which transposes Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU amended by 2014/52/EU and therefore are not subject to an EIA procedure. Some of the project components under the category of works "rehabilitation of bridges and viaducts" and "installation of noise barriers" were subject to appropriate assessments (Valutazione di Incidenza VincA) in accordance with article 6.3 of the Habitats directive 92/43/EEC and with the Italian national guidelines on appropriate assessment (2019) . The project contributes to climate action and environmental sustainability (CA&ES) objectives, in particular to climate adaptation, pollution prevention and control.

Today ASPI is a private listed company, belonging to the category of concessionaires which are not contracting authorities. Part of the investments included in the project has been/shall be directly awarded to ASPI's subsidiary companies without public procurement, which does not formally infringe EU legislation within limits. The new Public Contracts Code of Italy (art. 186.2) imposes the obligation for the holders of directly awarded motorway concessions to entrust a quota between 50% and 60% (depending on different criteria included in the Code) of the works, services and supply contracts via public procurement processes. The promoter has therefore been assessed by the EIB as being a private company not being subject to EU rules on public procurement or concessions.