National Highways has today updated the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW), which is a collection of documents containing the standard specifications, technical details, and guidance that contractors must follow, ensuring consistency and quality across highway projects.
It’s been refreshed to better align with current standard practices, making it clearer and more efficient for contractors.
National Highways says that the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) has been ‘modernised and republished in September 2025 to embed quality, improve contract preparation and enable future construction practices. Key changes include: a new document set structure, a new consistent clause style, dedicated country-specific versions, new templates to replace contract specific appendices, technical updates to reflect industry practice and updates to the DMRB.’
Key changes include:
- Templates to clearly outline the specific requirements for each contract
- Downloadable country-specific versions including national requirements
- Content has been digitised to support machine readability, streamline contract production, and simplify future updates.
National Highways’ Head of Technical Standards, Steve Davy, said:
“The updated manual not only reflects current best practice, it will also improve how highway projects are delivered by encouraging more consistency in the way work is carried out. We’re supporting the use of innovative materials including many low carbon material and construction methods, while maintaining our world class infrastructure standards.”
The updated MCHW applies to new contracts from 30 September 2025. Existing contracts will continue to operate under the current specifications until completion.
It’s used by over 180 countries and underpins all UK motorway and trunk road construction contracts. This relaunch marks a major step forward in embedding quality, enabling innovation, and supporting our Net Zero goals.
(Pic: National Highways)
