Work is finally set to begin on a new junction in Ashford.

The construction of junction 10a is set to start next week, ten years after the plans were first put forward to reduce congestion on junction 10.

The £104 million project was given the go ahead in December and will see a new roundabout built over the motorway, just 700 metres away from the current junction 10 and close to the Pilgrims Hospice.

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A second roundabout is being built, close to the Ashford Retail Park on Barrey Road, with a two-way link road between the two new roundabouts to connect the M20 and A2070 in Sevington.

This means that the M20 slip roads, near Tesco Extra at junction 10, would also be less congested as motorists would use junction 10a instead.

Ashford Borough Council is working with Highways England to fund the junction, which is one of the towns Big 8 projects.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “The start of the works is yet more good news for the town and another example of the momentum in Ashford’s transformation.

"Our Big 8 projects are all moving forward and the future is looking very bright indeed.

“Ashford Borough Council has long campaigned for the delivery of extra road transport capacity to cater for the town’s future needs. Junction 10a is another piece of the borough’s integrated transport infrastructure jigsaw to fall into place.

“The government's decision to approve the long-awaited junction will be a catalyst for economic and commercial development in Ashford, creating job opportunities and improving the infrastructure of the town.

"The start of works on the ground is a demonstration of the hard work now coming to fruition."

The Wyevale Garden Centre, just off the A20, was closed last month in order to be demolished to make way for the new junction.

It is believed that the work will be completed by 2020.