France’s A69 motorway opening delayed as protesters gather

The opening of the controversial A69 motorway between Toulouse and Castres has been delayed as works and safety checks are still not finished.

At the same time, authorities have restricted several planned demonstrations against the project along the route of the new motorway.

The 53km motorway was initially expected to open on October 15. 

Now, although the entire route has been paved, work remains to be completed, including road markings, fencing, signage and facilities at rest areas. 

State inspections are also under way to identify any outstanding issues or safety measures needed before the road can open.

“We cannot announce a precise date at this stage,” Atosca, the company responsible for the project said. Nevertheless, it expects the motorway to open before the end of 2026.

A controversial project

The A69 has faced years of opposition from environmental campaigners, who argue that the motorway will destroy natural habitats and increase pollution.

The project also faced a legal setback in February 2025, when Toulouse’s administrative court ruled that construction should stop over environmental concerns, despite the motorway being more than half-built.

The French State appealed, and a further ruling in May 2025 allowed work to resume while the appeal was examined. The legal dispute continued into 2026, adding to delays and uncertainty surrounding the project.

Protests planned for October 9-11

Opponents of the motorway have planned three days of protests in Tarn and Haute-Garonne from October 9 to October 11, under the slogan No Macadam, meaning ‘No Asphalt’.

The programme includes a cycle convoy departing from Montrabé railway station on Friday morning, a main demonstration on Saturday, October 10, and a communal banquet, concerts and community fair (village associatif) on Sunday.

However, in Tarn, the prefect announced on October 3 that demonstrations and protest gatherings would be banned on the A69 and within 200m on either side of the motorway from 8:00 on October 8, until 20:00 on October 12.

The restrictions cover 17 communes along the route, including Teulat, Montcabrier, Bannières, Villeneuve-lès-Lavaur and Castres.

In Haute-Garonne, the prefecture also issued orders on October 7 restricting gatherings in several communes, including Vendine, Francarville, Verfeil, Saint-Marcel-Paulel, Bonrepos-Riquet, Gragnague and Castelmaurou.

Meanwhile, campaigners had set up a base camp near the motorway in Cambounet-sur-le-Sor, in Tarn, before gendarmes evacuated the site. They subsequently moved to a field in Sémalens, around 1km from the route.

A69 toll prices announced

Atosca also published its toll prices on October 8, ahead of the motorway’s initial expected opening.

The motorway will use a free-flow toll system, meaning drivers will not need to stop at toll barriers. Payments can be automated using a compatible toll badge or an online account linked to the vehicle’s registration plate and a bank card.

Drivers without automatic payment must pay within 72 hours of using the motorway, either online at the A69 website or at a participating Nirio payment point, where payments can be made by card or in cash.

For a standard car, a one-way journey along the full route between Verfeil and Castres will cost €8.50, or €17 for a return trip.

Eligible very-low-emission vehicles such as electric cars will receive a 20% discount, bringing the fare to €6.80 each way. This discount can also be combined with offers for regular users.

The company also announced two schemes for drivers who use the motorway regularly.

Mon Pass A69 offers unlimited journeys between two selected junctions for a monthly fee, with a minimum six-month commitment.

The second option, Fréquence A69, offers progressive discounts for drivers making at least 20 journeys per month. Discounts range from 30% to 60% for petrol and diesel vehicles and from 40% to 70% for eligible very-low-emission vehicles.

The prices are inclusive of tax but remain subject to the signing of the official toll order. They do not include a proposed reduction to the tariffs, which was not approved by the Conseil d’État.