The new junction – junction 10a – will be built 700m east of the existing junction 10 near Ashford in Kent.

The new junction will use two bridges and connect to the existing A20 and a new dual carriageway link road built to the A2070 near Sevington.

Peter Whitman, highways sector director for VINCI Construction JV, said: “This is an important contract for us as it will be the first Highways England contract delivered solely by VINCI Construction JV, and demonstrates our continued growth in the strategic roads sector.”

Regional director for major projects in the South East, Chris Welby-Everard, said: “The new junction will help reduce congestion at the existing junction 10 and unlock potential for future growth in the Ashford area.

“Following our successful public consultation earlier this year, we have awarded the construction contract so that if planning permission is granted we can start work as soon as possible.”

The scheme is currently progressing through the Development Consent Order examination process by the Planning Inspectorate, with the preliminary hearing having taken place on Friday 2 December. Construction of the scheme is conditional of planning permission being granted

Vinci were chosen as the preferred supplier using the Collaborative Delivery Framework Lot 3a as a design and build contract. They will work alongside Jacobs, from Lot 1 of the same framework.