A ruling on February 27 by the Toulouse administrative court will decide the fate of the A69 highway construction, which aims to connect Toulouse and Castres. Judge Mona Rousseau raised concerns about the environmental impact and the project’s economic viability. Opponents argue for environmental protection, while supporters claim it is vital for regional development. Activists are hopeful the court will reject the construction authorization, potentially halting the project scheduled to complete by late 2025.
Upcoming Ruling on A69 Highway Construction
The Toulouse administrative court has announced that it will make a crucial decision on February 27 regarding the legitimacy of the A69 highway construction authorization. This ruling will determine whether construction can proceed, as the public rapporteur has once again called for the annulment of this authorization.
In a courtroom filled with attendees, Judge Mona Rousseau, whose insights will influence the court’s verdict, highlighted that the projected benefits of the highway, which is intended to connect Toulouse and Castres, do not sufficiently warrant the environmental harm associated with the project. Rousseau stated that the anticipated advantages are not enough to meet the criteria for an Imperative Reason of Major Public Interest (IRMP).
Concerns Over Economic Viability and Safety
According to Rousseau, while the A69 highway is expected to enhance connectivity in the southern Tarn region, the economic impact studies have been described as vague and unconvincing. She expressed doubts about the highway’s safety benefits, particularly considering the potential for increased traffic on alternative routes for motorists seeking to avoid tolls.
The judge acknowledged that, while the highway could have some economic and social value, the legal standards for establishing an IRMP are quite strict. She emphasized that the “rather low gains” from the A69 do not elevate the project to meet these stringent criteria.
During the session, Alice Terrasse, an attorney representing opponents of the A69, remarked that the court has a significant opportunity to set a precedent in environmental law. Conversely, Yasser Abdoulhoussen, the project director overseeing the A69, defended the highway as a necessary solution for the Castres-Mazamet area to access essential services in the regional capital, including the Toulouse-Blagnac airport and healthcare facilities.
Abdoulhoussen argued that the project is not merely a desire of local officials but a vital component of regional development, while opponents fear that maintaining the status quo would result in stagnation for the territory.
As the hearing approached, dozens of anti-A69 activists demonstrated peacefully outside the court, expressing their strong opposition to the highway, which they believe will have detrimental environmental effects.
Activists are hopeful that the court will align with the public rapporteur’s recommendations and halt construction, which is currently projected to connect Castres to Toulouse by the end of 2025. Ecologist MP Christine Arrighi noted that public rapporteurs’ opinions are typically upheld by the courts, suggesting that there is a strong possibility the court will follow suit.
If the court nullifies the authorization, construction could be halted, as Arrighi pointed out that the groundwork has yet to begin. On the other hand, attorney Thomas Garancher, representing the construction firms, highlighted the substantial security measures required if construction were to be paused pending an appeal.
As the hearing concluded, anti-A69 activists expressed optimism about the forthcoming decision, with Gilles Garric from the collective La Voie est Libre stating they felt very confident about the court’s ruling. They believe a favorable decision would send a powerful message about environmental protection and could have far-reaching implications across the nation.