Manual of Contracts for Highway Work

Introducing our modernised Manual of Contracts for Highway Work (MCHW):

The Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works is being modernised to reflect current best practice.

MCHW modernisation

• The MCHW is important because it underpins all construction contracts for UK motorways and all-purpose trunk roads. It also is used by many others, such as local authorities.
• Updating it is a requirement of the Technical Regulations Protocol attached to National Highways’ license for the second Road Investment Strategy period (RIS2).
• The modernisation follows an industry-wide consultation. The vision for the future MCHW was established in 2018 as “providing unambiguous requirements and instructions, compatible with modern contract forms and future construction practices.
• The MCHW update is part of a digital framework for standards content that will support innovation in digital design, construction, and operation of highways infrastructure. It has been digitalised to align with the DMRB which was updated to digital format in 2020.

View the Video by Mike Wilson, Executive Director, Safety Engineering and Standards below which introduces the Manual. 

Sign up for one of the National Highways Webinars 

• Wednesday 22 October 2025 11:00 – 12:00 BST  registration link
• Thursday 13 November 2025 11:00 – 12:00 GMT registration link
• Thursday 29 January 2026 11:00 – 12:00 GMT registration link