The contractor fought-off competition from three rivals to land the deal – BFV JV; comprising of BAM Nuttall, Ferrovial Construction (UK) Ltd and VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Costain and Kier Eiffage (KEJV); comprising of Kier Highways and Eiffage Génie Civil.

The Kent Roads contract will deliver the southern part of the route that connects the A2/M2 to the tunnel approach, and includes almost four miles of new road and structures, one of the widest green bridges in Europe, a new public park, and 12 miles of new or improved pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

It is the second major award on the project after Balfour beat Kier to the £1.2bn roads package north of the Thames.

A winner for the main £2bn tunneling  contract will be announced later this year with the BFV JV, Bouygues Murphy JV and Dragados-Hochtief JV on the shortlist.

A start date on the scheme has been pushed back by two years by the Government as part of its cost-cutting drive with work not expected to get underway until 2026 at the earliest and last six years.

National Highways said it is “awarding the contracts ahead of consent being granted for the project to allow its Delivery Partners as much time as possible to collaborate and carry out the detailed design work that seeks to reduce the impact of construction on the local community and the environment.

“It will also allow time to maximise the opportunities to use innovative low carbon technologies and materials, as well as develop a local supply chain.”

Katharina Ferguson, Lower Thames Crossing Procurement Director, said: “Skanska has a track record of providing innovative low carbon solutions to projects, and leaving a genuine legacy of skills and innovation in the local community.

“We look forward to working together to deliver this desperately needed piece of new infrastructure in a way that pushes the boundaries in low-carbon construction and social value.”