Transport chiefs have revealed the firm they have tasked with completing a multi-million pound new motorway junction.

The junction 10a scheme will be built 700 metres east of the existing M20 junction and will pave the way for a new business park development and warehouses.

Today Highways England has revealed that a £39.1 million construction contract has been awarded to Vinci.

Highways England regional director Chris Welby-Everard said the new junction is part of £15 billion worth of spending by the government on roads.

He said: “It will help reduce congestion at the existing junction 10 and will 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 plan for the new junction are currently being discussed at the Planning Inspectorate and is progressing through the Development Consent Order Phase. The first hearing on the issue took place at the beginning of this month.

Building work hinges on the scheme being granted planning permission, but Vinci director Peter Whitman said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the principal contractor for the improvement works.

“We look forward to working alongside Highways England in delivering this important scheme to reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability, while also supporting economic growth.

“This is an important contract for us as it will be the first Highways England contract delivered solely by us. It demonstrates our continued growth in the strategic roads sector.”