LGV Sud-Ouest: Court refuses to suspend work near Bordeaux

On April 4, several environmental associations challenged the prefectural authorization issued for railway developments south of Bordeaux (AFSB) before the interim relief judge.

They cited the imminent nature and "irreversible damage to the environment", particularly for the European mink, a protected species, and considered the project "useless".

The work, already partly completed between the end of October 2024 and mid-March 2025, and which will not resume until "autumn 2025", allows "respect for the biological cycle of this species, in particular the period of rearing the young", the interim judge considered, according to the court press release.

Furthermore, it ruled that "the effects of the authorized works cannot be described as irreversible on the conservation status of this species, given the avoidance measures (...) and compensation imposed on the company SNCF Réseau, consisting of restoring 4,8 times the loss of surface area of ​​its habitat impacted by the project."

These works are "essential" for the construction of the new lines (Bordeaux-Toulouse, Bordeaux-Dax and Dax-Spain) and "necessary" to improve rail traffic flow south of Bordeaux, according to the judge, who stressed that these developments "will contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and improving road safety."

The Prefect of Gironde, Étienne Guyot, welcomed the "very good news" which will allow SNCF Réseau to continue the work undertaken "in compliance with the regulatory framework."

Estimated to cost €2020 billion in 14, the LGV Sud-Ouest is expected to connect Toulouse to Paris in 2032 hours and 3 minutes by 10, saving an hour on the current route. A branch line is expected to connect Dax to Bordeaux in 20 minutes and, one day, provide direct links with Spain.

For its promoters, including the socialist regional presidents Alain Rousset (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and Carole Delga (Occitanie), this "investment for the century" would make it possible to "take off the road" the 10.000 trucks that come back from Spain each day, by freeing up existing lines for freight.

Opponents - local elected officials, residents, foresters and winegrowers - denounce the project as "deadly" for the environment and demand the renovation of existing lines.