The MCHW is being relaunched in 2025 to support innovation in digital design, construction, and operation of highways infrastructure – Read more here.
Volume filters for the MCHW documents are available if you scroll down the page. As an example, this link takes you to the Volume 1 Specification for Highway Works documents.
There has been a change in name for the button previously called ‘Archive’ in the top right hand corner of the website. The search functionality remains the same but the term older versions is a better representation that some older versions of standards are used on current schemes and projects.
The Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) is our standard suite of specification documents which are included within a construction contract and the Contractor is required to comply with its contents.
Scroll further down the page for filters based on volume, or click here for archived copies of MCHW standards.
Volume 0 contains the Model Contract documents for Highway Works and includes the instructions for tendering and typical contract documentation for the preparation of contracts for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the Trunk Road network in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Volume 1 contains the requirements and approvals procedures for work, goods or materials used in the construction, improvement or maintenance of the Trunk Road network.
Volume 2 gives advice and guidance in the implementation of the specifications given in Volume 1, as well as examples of tables and appendices necessary for the contract.
Volume 3 contains drawings to be used in the preparation of contracts for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the Trunk Road network.
Volume 4 gives the method of measurement and the bills of quantities necessary for the tendering and evaluation process.
Volume 5 contains contracts for specialist activities such as geodetic surveys, ground investigation, mechanical and electrical installations in road tunnels, movable bridges and bridge access gantries, as well as trenchless installation of highway drainage and service ducts.
Volume 6 contains advice on the use of substances hazardous to health in highway construction and the New Roads and Streetworks Act. Information and requirements for Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 can be found in IAN 105/08 which replaces SD 10/05 and SD 11/05.