Toulouse-Castres motorway: Beginning of archaeological excavations
Despite an opinion refused by the National Council for the Protection of Nature and despite the dispute, preventive archaeological excavations for the construction of the Toulouse-Castres motorway are carried out.
A new stage for the Toulouse-Castres motorway construction project has been completed. Carrying out archaeological diagnoses, that is to say excavations, began during the second half of this month of September. They are studied by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research from East to West.
A notice describing the environmental point of view
The project is therefore not called into question by the detailed opinion issued on Friday 23 September by the National Council for the Protection of Nature. In particular, it considers that the safety of road users is “necessary”, “but this does not suppose the creation of a motorway”.
“In terms of greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption, the alternative to the use of the private car must be sought by all State policies whenever possible. This project, on the contrary, encourages it, which is contrary to the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050”also writes the Council.
“This notice is an important step. It is an opinion which is advisory so it is absolutely not blocking in the motorway authorization procedure. The dealer takes this advice seriously. (…) I have full confidence in his ability to edit his file before the public inquiry”, notes the prefect of Tarn François-Xavier Lauch, Monday September 26 on France Blue.
The Toulouse-Castres motorway still contested
The motorway project between Toulouse and Castres has been valid for thirty years. Several collectives denounce its uselessness. Opponents of this road axis are organizing a large rally this Monday, September 26 in the town of Soual in the Tarn.
Work on the A69 motorway between Castres and Toulouse should start in 2023. Some thousand people will work on the site, which should help to open up the south of the Tarn. The commissioning of this 2×2 lane of 54 kilometers, including 44 new sections, is scheduled for 2025. Motorists will be able to save 35 minutes on the journey with a connection to the A680.