Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Update

In October 2010 the Secretary of State for Transport outlined plans for the roads programme in the years ahead. Four schemes were identified for review. The aims of the M20 J10a review are to ensure that the proposed design is the best possible and to take another look at the scheme appraisal and funding approach.

For more information please visit our Future Delivery Programme page.

The Project

This scheme forms a part of the Highways Agency's existing strategic roads programme. The HA are to provide a new M20 Junction 10A and link road to the A2070 at Ashford in Kent. The provision of Junction 10A is pivotal to the future development of South Ashford, which has long been identified in both structural and local plans as the focus for growth and expansion in Ashford. 

In November 2003, the Minister announced that the M20 Junction 10A scheme had been added to the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements, now known as the Programme of Major Schemes. Since then a number of further studies have been undertaken by the Highways Agency, Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council. The primary study was the Greater Ashford Development Framework (GADF), which focused on transforming Ashford Town Centre and producing a master plan to facilitate Ashford's growth including new urban communities and its impact on surrounding rural villages.

During the initial phases it was identified that the existing Junction 10 would not be able to accommodate the additional traffic generated by the proposed development of Ashford. As a result of this and the announcement by the Minister in 2003, the Highways Agency was instructed to develop and appraise options for a Junction 10A.

Public Consultation

The Public Consultation period was between 13 June 2008 and 5 September 2008. The Highways Agency held an exhibition of the proposals at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce in Ashford on the 13 and 14 June 2008 as part of the Public Consultation process. 300 visitors attended the exhibitions with 26 comments made. 384 completed questionnaires were received and the Highways Agency issued individual replies to requests for further information.

You can view the Public Consultation Leaflet on the Publications page.

Preferred Route Announcement

The Secretary of State for Transport has announced the Preferred Route after considering the views of those who responded to the consultation and the recommendations of the Highways Agency.

The Preferred Route

• To construct a new M20 Junction 10A, 700 metres south east of Junction 10. The new junction will include a roundabout over the motorway, new slip roads and a new link road to the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road. Junction 10A will be partially signalised with two 3 lane bridges.
• The A20 Hythe Road would be incorporated in the new junction so that the traffic in both directions would travel via the new roundabout.
• A new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the M20 from Kingsford Street to the A20.
• The existing Highfield Lane Bridge and Church Road footbridge will be demolished.
• A new non-motorised user crossing at Church Road.
• The east facing slips at the existing Junction 10 will be removed.

You can view the Preferred Route Announcement Leaflet on the Publications page.

The Scheme Assessment report and Public Consultation report explains the factors that determined the choice of the scheme. If you would like to receive a copy of these reports please email m20j10ascheme@highways.gsi.gov.uk or telephone the Highways Agency Information line on 0300 123 5000.

What happens next?

The M20 Junction 10A scheme proposals, as detailed above is now the preferred route and will be protected from development.

The draft Development Consent order and Environmental Statement will now be prepared.

A Public Examination will be held before a Commissioner appointed by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

For further information on IPC, please visit their website: http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk