Carried out for more than 20 years, the project to build the A69 motorway between Castres and Toulouse continues to fracture the territory of the Occitanie region. Supported by President Delga, it faces strong local protest and numerous ecological questions. His political and financial future remains very uncertain.
A highway sea serpent that resists time
The project to improve road links between Castres and Toulouse is not new. More than 20 years ago, faced with the increasing saturation of the Nationale 126, local elected officials mobilized to upgrade this major axis to 2×2 lanes. But despite this broad initial consensus, the project will quickly encounter opposition.
In 2010, the State finally decided and approved the construction of a motorway between Castres and Toulouse, for which Vinci obtained the concession. But far from achieving consensus, this choice revives criticism. On the one hand, its direct environmental impact is worrying, with nearly 100 hectares of agricultural land and natural areas impacted by the future route. On the other hand, some denounce an obsolete project, incompatible with the climate emergency and the necessary ecological transition of mobility.
Tensions exacerbated by violent actions
In recent years, the motorway project has catalyzed growing protests in the Tarn region. Several demonstrations by opponents have already taken place, some degenerating into clashes with the police.
In mid-December 2022, new particularly violent clashes marred the A69 construction site, causing damage to the Vinci dealership’s installations. These actions are strongly denounced, including by certain opponents of the project who see it as counterproductive radicalization. But they testify to the strong tensions running through the region.
The regional president stays the course despite criticism
Faced with growing protests, the socialist president of the region Carole Delga continues to defend the construction of the A69, the only viable project according to her to open up the Tarnes department and stop the desertification of its territory.
Delga highlights in particular the financial impossibility of renovating the existing railway line, a project estimated at more than a billion euros. The highway would also be a tool for territorial equality, making it possible to rebalance the overwhelming influence of the Toulouse metropolis in Occitania.
But his arguments struggle to convince opponents. Some elected environmentalists even denounce an “outdated” vision of land use planning.
Major uncertainties for the future of the project
Despite the support of the regional president, local opposition to the A69 motorway remains massive. Supported by environmentalist associations, many residents continue to decry a socially and ecologically harmful project.
In this stormy context, the future of the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2025, appears very uncertain. Between citizen protests, political divisions and heavy investments to be financed, the realization of this motorway sea serpent is not certain. The Occitanie Region will have to deploy treasures of dialogue and pedagogy to try to overcome these territorial divides.
My name is Ethan, I’m 30 years old, and I’m the founder of this magazine. After studying journalism, I quickly decided to go freelance to be able to write as I wanted and talk about my true passions. I aim to create an information hub where French and international news is treated seriously and with insight. My goal is to enlighten my readers’ daily lives and encourage a deeper understanding of current issues.
