Legal challenge to motorway construction

A group of associations, farmers, and local residents asked the administrative court in Haute-Savoie on Wednesday to stop work on a new motorway, arguing it harms the environment and contradicts the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.

Court to decide on Thursday

The Lyon administrative court of appeal was urgently called to review the A412 construction project, which started on September 1. The court will announce its decision on Thursday.

Protesters block construction

In the Chablais region, near the Swiss border, 21 organizations and 40 residents have been staging daily sit-ins and climbing trees to slow down the machinery clearing the forest. Gendarmes have removed the protesters, leading to 47 arrests and many fines, according to the group.

Supporters argue for traffic relief

The French government and the company Amedea, which is part of the Eiffage group, say the 16.5-kilometer A412 motorway will ease heavy commuter traffic between Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva. Many workers from France cross the border daily to work in Switzerland, where they earn higher salaries on average.

Opponents call project illegal

Opponents, led by the environmental group France Nature Environnement, argue the project is unnecessary and violates environmental laws. They want more frequent train and bus services instead and claim the project is illegal due to environmental concerns.

Legal basis for the challenge

The protesters challenged the environmental authorization signed by the Haute-Savoie prefect on August 28, which allowed the project to start just four days later. Since then, Amedea has cleared 85% of the 180 hectares planned for the motorway.

Environmental risks highlighted

The group says there is serious doubt about the legality of the authorization and warns of irreversible harm to biodiversity, including 130 protected species of mammals, birds, and insects. They also highlight risks to 33 agricultural operations in the region.

Court will issue decision soon

The court president said it would issue a decision on the suspension request by Thursday. The project received a public utility declaration in 2019 after a public inquiry concluded with a favorable opinion.