Toulouse, February 27, 2025 – A French court has reversed its earlier decision to halt construction of the A69 motorway, a 62-kilometer toll road project connecting Toulouse and Castres. The Toulouse Administrative Court of Appeal ruled this Tuesday that the environmental authorizations for the project are legally sound, effectively greenlighting the continuation of work.
Highway Revival: Court Overturns Block on A69 Construction
The decision lifts a three-month suspension and paves the way for the completion of the controversial motorway project in October 2026.
- The court overturned a previous ruling that cited the protection of endangered species as grounds to halt construction.
- The public rapporteur emphasized the economic importance of the Castres Mazamet basin and the need for improved access to Toulouse.
- Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot welcomed the decision, stating it restores environmental authorizations for the project.
- Opponents of the highway plan to appeal to the Council of State.
- A separate ruling is expected on January 12 regarding potential construction work exceeding authorized boundaries.
The initial February 27th ruling by the administrative court marked the first time French justice had canceled a highway construction project, citing “no compelling reason of major public interest to deviate from the protection of protected species,” as defined by the Environmental Code. Work resumed in June after the Administrative Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution on the 28th.
“The need for rapid service”
In its judgment, the court aligned with the recommendations of the public rapporteur, who during a December 11 hearing, highlighted the significance of the Castres Mazamet basin, stating it “with 132,000 inhabitants and 52,000 jobs, is of significant importance.” The rapporteur further argued that “it is difficult to deny the need for rapid access to the Toulouse metropolis.”
The public rapporteur also dismissed alternative solutions, asserting that strengthening the rail line would require “colossal resources of several billion euros” and would serve as a complementary, rather than a replacement, for the motorway.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot released a statement on Tuesday, welcoming “the consequences of the decision rendered today […] which thus fully restores the environmental authorizations for the motorway connection project between Castres and Toulouse,” by overturning the previous judgment.
The concessionaire and constructor, Atosca (NGE), anticipates completing the highway construction by October 2026. However, the collective “La route est libre,” comprised of opponents to the project, intends to appeal the decision to the Council of State.
Separately, the Toulouse Judicial Court is scheduled to rule on January 12 regarding alleged construction work extending beyond authorized zones, covering an area of 30 to 40 hectares. Prefects of Tarn and Haute-Garonne have already prohibited further work in areas exceeding the authorized 430-hectare limit.
More information to follow…
