Manual of Contracts for Highways Work (MVHW)

Introducing our modernised Manual of Contracts for Highways Works (MCHW):

The Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Works has been 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.