Junction contractor appointed

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 10 and will pave the way for a new business park development and warehouses.

Last week Highways England 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, adding: “It will help reduce congestion at junction 10 and will unlock potential for future growth in the Ashford area.

“After our public consulta- tion 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 new junction plan is being discussed at the Planning Inspectorate and is progressing through the Development Consent Order Phase.

Building work hinges on the scheme getting 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 while also supporting economic growth.

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

Plans for the new warehouses and business park were given outline planning permission in May, and a full planning application for the site is now being considered by Ashford Borough Council.

It could see firms such as Kent Wool Growers (KWG) moving from its current site in Tannery Lane to the new purpose built store, freeing up room in the town centre for the council’s Commercial Quarter Scheme.