French Transport Minister Reaffirms Commitment to A69 Highway Project Despite Court Suspension

Philippe Tabarot expressed determination to resume construction, citing economic importance, as the government awaits a mid-May review of its appeal to overturn the ruling.

The A69 highway project, connecting Toulouse and Castres, remains halted following a February 27 court ruling that annulled its environmental authorization.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the site on April 4, reiterating the government's commitment to completing the project despite legal challenges.
The court ruled the project lacked sufficient public interest justification to outweigh its environmental impact, prompting an appeal by the French government on March 24.
The government has requested a suspension of the ruling, which, if granted, could temporarily allow construction to resume; a decision is expected after mid-May.
Tabarot emphasized the project's economic significance for the region, describing the suspension as a setback for local development and mobility.