Protesters Mobilize Against A69 Toulouse-Castres Highway Project in Tarn.

Nearly 2,000 protesters are expected to gather in Tarn to oppose the construction of the A69 highway amid fears that 200 trees may be cut down. The Ministry of the Interior is concerned that violence may break out, as it did in Sainte-Soline.

Demonstrators have settled on the future path of the A69 highway. They are prepared for a weekend of protests, with actions increasing such as holding onto some trees. “We see all of this, and we think it’s going to be destroyed, it’s absurd,” said one participant. Determined to show their discontent, protesters promise a peaceful weekend.

Environmental Impact

Construction work on the A69 highway began a few days ago. The highway will connect Toulouse to Casters in one hour, compared to the current travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The project, classified as a priority by the State in 2019, is debated for its environmental impact. “We’re three steps away from the Dicosa, a nature reserve,” explains a protester. Several thousand people are expected at the site for conferences and concerts. A protest declaration has been filed with the prefecture, but authorities are waiting for more information on the route…

The French government has signed off on a $7 billion project to construct 1,000km of highways across France. It’s part of a plan to expand the country’s roadway network and alleviate congestion that has blighted transport in recent years. The A69 motorway between Toulouse and Castres is among the projects targeted for construction. Yet environmental campaigners and locals have taken issue with the development, arguing it will contribute to air pollution, noise pollution, and other environmental concerns. They also argue it will negatively affect biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Protests have grown louder in recent weeks, with activists occupying land earmarked for the A69 project to block construction workers. Police have responded in force, violently evicting demonstrators from the site. Despite this, opponents of the A69 highway are determined to continue their struggle, arguing that it is irresponsible to prioritize highways over the environment.