Major Accident on A1 Highway Near Florence Causes Three-Hour Closure

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Major Accident on A1 Highway Near Florence Causes Three-Hour Closure

The A1 highway, a vital artery connecting Milan and Naples, experienced significant disruption on Friday, February 14, 2026. The stretch between the Florence South and Incisa toll booths was closed in both directions for over three hours following a severe incident at kilometer 308. The accident involved a heavy vehicle that lost control, veered off its path, and forcefully impacted the central concrete barrier, known as 'new jersey' barriers. The collision displaced a significant portion of the barrier into the opposite carriageway, which was heading towards Rome. Two individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical attention.

The incident occurred around 4:20 PM local time. Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of a truck traveling northbound towards Bologna lost control of the vehicle. The truck subsequently swerved, overturned, and collided with the central median barrier, pushing it into the southbound lanes. A car traveling in the direction of Rome was also involved in the aftermath of the collision, exacerbating the situation.

Emergency services, including traffic police and medical personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The complex operation to clear the wreckage of the truck and car, repair the damaged barrier, and reopen the lanes took approximately three hours. This prolonged closure resulted in substantial traffic jams, with queues extending up to 6 kilometers in the southbound direction towards Rome, specifically between the Florence Impruneta and Incisa toll booths. An additional 1-kilometer queue was reported in the northbound direction towards Bologna, between the Valdarno and Incisa exits.

Autostrade per l'Italia, the company managing the highway, confirmed that its maintenance crews from the 4th Section of Florence were actively engaged in recovery and repair operations. Following the reopening, traffic flow has been restored, albeit with restrictions. Currently, vehicles are transiting through a single lane in each direction within the affected area. The company reported that traffic congestion has eased, with queues now measuring 3 kilometers towards Rome. Congestion heading towards Bologna has reportedly cleared. However, significant queues were still observed at the mandatory exits of Florence South (3 kilometers) and Incisa (1 kilometer) as vehicles were rerouted or chose to exit the highway.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed, high-volume highways like the A1. Factors contributing to such accidents often include speeding, driver inattention, or unforeseen mechanical failures. The swift response of emergency and maintenance crews is crucial in mitigating the impact of such events, ensuring public safety, and minimizing economic repercussions.

The A1 highway, historically known as the "Autostrada del Sole," is a fundamental component of Italy's transportation network, linking major economic hubs. Disruptions on this route can have cascading effects on logistics, supply chains, and commuter travel. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the precise causes of the accident to implement measures aimed at preventing future occurrences.

The ongoing efforts focus on restoring full functionality to the affected section of the A1 as quickly and safely as possible. The maintenance teams are working diligently to repair the infrastructure and ensure the long-term integrity of the roadway.

ANSA.it