A69 Motorway: A Timeline of Waste

The construction of the A69 Toulouse-Castres highway could resume soon, following a series of significant events that have marked this controversial project.

To better understand the completely crazy four months that have led to what is not an excessive claim of a social and economic disaster of the A69, here is the timeline of events:

On February 27, the administrative court of Toulouse suspended the A69 works, arguing the absence of a “major public interest imperative” (MPIP). This notion, introduced in 1992 by a European directive, is essential to deviate from the species protection rules concerning wildlife, of which 157 specimens are directly affected by this construction site.

On March 24, the Ministry of Transport announced it would appeal this suspension, while requesting a stay of execution to quickly restart the works. According to the authorities, the prolonged halt of the construction site risks causing “irreparable consequences.” This argument was echoed by the public rapporteur, who, on May 19, spoke in favor of the immediate resumption of the works. This magistrate, whose opinions often influence judicial decisions, believes that the public interest outweighs the objections raised by opponents.

By May 15, the Senate adopted a bill aimed at validating the project through parliamentary means, an initiative widely criticized by environmental organizations. This atypical law, presented by elected officials from Tarn, has been described by opponents as a “circumvention” of court decisions. The project’s supporters, on the other hand, emphasize its declared public utility, established in 2018 and validated by the Council of State.

On Wednesday, May 21, the administrative court of appeal in Toulouse will examine the appeal submitted by the State to stay the execution of the initial ruling. Its decision is expected by the end of May. Meanwhile, A69 supporters point out that two-thirds of the work has already been completed, while opponents, like Jean Olivier from Friends of the Earth, criticize an opinion deemed “unacceptable in light of environmental law.”

Finally, the National Assembly will review the bill on June 2, raising questions about its conformity with the Constitution. This judicial and political tug-of-war illustrates the growing tensions between ecological issues and infrastructure development.

Opponents of the A69 have already launched a general mobilization in anticipation of early July. A “great celebration and burial gathering for the A69” is planned from July 4 to 6, with a major event on Saturday, July 5. This event aims to react if the work resumes following a favorable decision to the State. Therefore, this sad saga is far from over…

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