Welcome to Standards for Highways

On this site you will find all the essential documents on the design, construction and operation of highways in the United Kingdom. Please use the "Choose a date" filter below to find standards and specifications relevant to your scheme.

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. Essential guidance to support the transition to the updated MCHW is available on the MCHW Information hub. Please note this link will open an external website.

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Standards

DMRB

Requirements and advice documents relating to works on motorway and all-purpose trunk roads in the UK.

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MCHW

Suite of specification documents included in a construction contract relating to works on motorway and all-purpose trunk roads in the UK.

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OTS

Operational Technology Specification Library relating to works on motorway and all-purpose trunk roads in the UK. (Formerly TSS).

IANs (archive only)

Interim Advice Notes historically issued by National Highways relating to works on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England.