Contents
A list of questions is provided below with links to the relevant sections within this hub.
FAQ
General
- Why have you changed the MCHW?
- Is the updated MCHW aligned with the DMRB?
- How does the updated MCHW affect me?
Mapping of old to new
- What has happened to the old series content?
- Where do I find content provided in the old series XXX?
- What happened to old Volume 3 and related Highway Construction Details?
Changes at document level
Accessing MCHW documents
- Where do I find the updated MCHW documents?
- Will I still have access to the old MCHW documents and, if so, how?
- Has the approach for downloading documents been changed?
Works Specific Requirements (WSR) templates
- What are the WSR?
- Where can I access the WSR templates?
- How do I prepare a specification using the updated MCHW?
- What does the term “element” mean in the WSR templates?
- What are the “unique references” in the WSR templates and how to use them?
- How should I treat non-applicable content, should I cancel it or leave it blank?
- Can I modify the WSR template, for example by adding new columns or rows in the schedules, add notes, etc.?
- How should the departures tab be completed?
- How should all compiled WSR template be disseminated?
Specification of selected topics
- How should contractor designed items be managed?
- To what extent should I duplicate information contained in drawings within schedules in the WSR templates?
Webinars Q&A
October 2025 questions
Navigating the Standards for Highways website
- Why do I have to enter a date on the website to access the standards?
- Can the date in “Choose a date” be today’s date by default, unless user chooses to change it?
- What is the reason for the black screen at the main website – can this be removed?
- Is there a way to download one of the document which contains all the track changes/variation of the four countries? Or do we have to download the 4 documents individually?
- The HTML format is not at all popular. The online PDF format is much more usable and user friendly. Can all documents be made available in the online PDF format, please?
- Does the system allow you to open the SHW, IfS and MMHW at the same time on the website?
Support provided
- What training/briefings will the supply chain (specifically designers and contractors) receive?
- Will a separate webinar be held specifically to cover the new method of measurement?
- Will there be subsequent webinars/ workshops for individual series disciplines for designers?
Accessing old MCHW versions
- Where can we access the old version of the MCHW?
- Can we still view the ‘old’ version on line via the National Highways website?
- Will there be a timeline after which they will be marked as “unsuitable for use”?
- Will the old documents be available online in order to ensure we can refer to the right clauses etc ?
- The old documents says “withdrawn” so for now are we working to the “withdrawn” documents? If yes then will we get a memo or a document to say we are allowed to work on these for now?
- Are there plans to eventually remove the superseded documents from the standards for highways website (a bit like what happened with TD 9/93, etc.)?
- We have just completed tender documents for a resurfacing term contract, based on the old specification and M of M. It is too late for us to convert to the new suite of documents. Reference is always made the the base documents. Will these documents still be available on your website?
- My understanding is that the new version of MCHW is applicable only to new schemes. If so, would we use the date option on Standards for Highways website to review the previous version, selecting a date pre-30/09/25 (publication of new version) to review old docs?
What happened to old content
- Labelling of the documents, ie CP/ CC, where is that explained?
- Are there any mapping documents that link the clauses of the old DMRB and MCHW to the new updated standards?
- Is their a Rosetta Stone type of detailed guidance on the specification changes and what has happened to clauses from the old MMHW where information may have been split and transferred to the DMRB.
- Is there any mind map or spider diagram available that visually shows the new DMRB and MCHW documents and their interlinks?
- Is there a list showing all the technical changes (even if its a high level excel spread would suffice)?
- Could you tell me where is the old clause 106 and associated appendix 1/10 is now?
- Where do I find TABLE NG 1/1: (05/01) Typical Testing Details previously in Volume 2 Notes for Guidance on the Specifications for Highway Works?
- How to find CC 601/WSR/003?
- Are the MCX documents being updated also?
- With the recent MCHW update, is there any change to the status or future use of MCX drawings?
- How does removing the series numbers now relate to drawing numbers where these are currently used?
- I really like the new format for MCHW. One thing I have noticed is that there is no reference to the requirement of National Highways Sector Schemes in GC 101- it just requires accreditation to ISO 9001 for the relevant scope of products and services offered. Is there a reason for this please?
- Is there a list of the changed DMRB documents?
- Have the MMHW clauses been edited or have they just been copy and pasted into the new format. If there are clause changes, is there a document that identifies / maps them?
- The old MMHW included section 3 the Library of Standard Item Descriptions – does the new MMHW also include this?
WSR templates
- As DMRB / MCHW are selectable by time, is this time enabled function delivered for the WSR templates – i.e. you chose the time and the correct document is on the webpage & the associated time-fixed template is then available?
- Are there any templates available in Excel or Word format, and where are they located?
- How do you get access to the WSR templates?
- Where are the templates for the WSR on the website?
- Are the templates downloadable as a single download (filtered by time)?
- Will you provide some examples of completed WSRs so we can see how they should be completed in practice?
- Some Additional documents (eg WSR Template CC 202/WSR – Works Specific Requirements for CC 202 Flexible pavement construction E/1.0.0 .ods) are provided for download as a zip file, which is blocked by many common IT security systems. Can these be made available for download in their native file format?
- If we require additional clauses within the WSR, should these be included within the specific WSR subset, or should they be captured entirely within the CS, SR, and AR tabs?
- Will designs be packaged/grouped by the 9 disciplines, or the 44 new SHW documents, instead of the old series numbers? Previously, contractors would be issued design in packages aligned to the SHW series numbers.
- Is there a generic completed complied specification example available to give an idea / indication of how this documentation is intended to be presented?
- Will example WSR be issued? Without guidance a variety of forms will be produced as each organisation develops a “house” style, thereby negating the drive for consistency.
- Specific to ‘CC 601 Earthworks’ – is the WSR excel template available for download looking to standardise the way Earthworks Specifications are written with the view to make these project specific requirements clearer to follow for Contractors?
- The WSR spreadsheets how are these to be used with regards to inclusion within contract documents? The spreadsheets I have opened are not set to be easily printed in a presentable pdf format. I am not sure it is a good idea sharing spreadsheets for information. There is also many worksheet tabs some of which may not be used for a contract.
- Have the templates for WSRs got check / approve facilities to introduce an audit trail?
- Some of the templates are very wide and not easy to follow across. Also I don’t know how these would print if required.
- I noticed the new templates for pavement documents that I looked at on the week they were released weren’t set up to print onto standard paper sizes. Is the intention to go paperless and are we sure the supply chain is ready for this?
Implementation considerations
- From a designer’s perspective, for schemes that are already progressing under the previous version of the MCHW, what is the recommended transition strategy? Should design teams be updating their specifications mid-cycle to align with the new MCHW, or would it be more appropriate to continue with the existing version through to completion?
- Would you be able to offer guidance regarding the ‘sensible’ decision of non-implementation of the new MCHW, for schemes already in construction, or for those with an already ‘advanced design’ please? Defining what an ‘advanced design’ in terms of design maturity would be helpful too.
- Likely to create issues with suppliers needing to run two systems in parallel for some time…?
- For third party schemes that are currently going through Technical Acceptance would these projects be expected to adopt the updated documentation?
- When do I use it? slide is good, but could the suggested answers could be added to it rather than spoken, to help a consistent transition.
- Will the updated MCHW be implemented on new schemes within an existing framework?
- How are Local Authorities expected to implement the changes?
- How will this be linked with the Product Approval process during tender, where requirements are often above those called up in MCHW?
Indexing
- Is there a contents page or index listing the all documents?
- The indexes are very useful, however, they are hidden away on the website. It would be useful to have these documents, easily accessible rather than having to search for them.
- Does the amended MCHW include activities & standards for Highways ‘Maintenance’ works?
Specific questions on documents
- GC 101 clause 17.1 states that “Items identified in the specification for Contractor design shall be designed by the Contractor.” (i.e. implying it is a departure for the designer to provide such information within the WSR). Please can you confirm that this has been agreed for technical approval on 3rd party schemes on the NH network with these items then being approved by NH after the main technical approval is granted.
- What has happened to the 6F Earthworks classes, and why the change to the earthworks aggregate gradings?
- I was pleased to see in CC 201 the clarification that ‘Recycled (site-won or imported) and imported aggregates shall be compliant with BS EN 13242.’ This confirms that all recycled aggregates—whether produced in-situ/on-site or at a permitted recycling facility—must be manufactured under a Factory Production Control system and in accordance with the relevant Aggregates Quality Protocol to meet end-of-waste criteria. However, my question concerns 6F1/6F2 recycled aggregates, which are typically graded to BS 1377-2 and therefore do not comply with BS EN 13242 or BS EN 13285, nor meet the QP end-of-waste criteria. If 6F4/6F5 is produced on-site, it can comply with these standards. I had hoped the MCHW re-write would clarify this distinction. Could you confirm whether 6F1/6F2 can be produced to meet BS EN standards, or whether only 6F4/6F5 can be used when compliance is required?
- Please can you explain what carbon records are required to submitted within 24 hours as ‘continuous records’ as per GC 103/GC 101?
MCHW drafting and review process
- What level of construction practitioner input has there been in the development of the new SHW? How can we be sure it will deliver what we expect in reality if the right people (ie. end users) haven’t been involved?
- Has anyone considered the impact the new documents will have for both client procurement durations and tender periods for contractor until everyone is familiar with new version?
- What level of consultation with Local Authorities?
- How does the new look promotes shorter traffic management?
- You mention reduction in carbon, reduced construction duration etc . Generally speaking, how is being achieved? What are the key innovations?
Departures
Ideas for future developments
- There is a lot of cross referencing of documents within the new MCHW/DMRB. As these are HTML based/electronic, is it possible to introduce hyperlinks to quickly direct you to the referenced information i.e. relevant specification or method of measurement?
- As all documents are web-based, is there a plan to include hyperlinks to allow easier opening of references rather than having to search again for each cross-reference?
November 2025 questions
Navigating the Standards for Highways website
- In what way is the new MCHW more searchable? The lack of searchability in the existing material was inferred, this could be a useful function.
- Just putting a few search terms in the search box on the opening SHW page – e.g. combined kerb drain, with no search results. So do you envisage us using the “map” to see where material in the old is now found in the new?
Support provided
- Will there be any follow up training sessions about the practical use of the new documents? In particular the templates for contract specifications – Works Specific Requirements.
- For the benefit of those involved in the transition of existing assessment procedures to the new DMRB, can NH share their gap analyses undertaken (say between the old MCHW Cl.942 and CC 202 Section 15 etc)?
- Really useful information, and good to have the changes and rationale spelled out. However, it feels a bit “abstract” without the opportunity to walk-through something in detail – e.g. could we look at something easy, like concrete spec, or kerbing?
What happened to old content
- Is there still a preamble to the Specification?
- Where are the Highway Construction Details (HCDs) in old Volume 3 contained now?
- I have noticed that for some documents that have been withdrawn, there is no information on the Standard for Highways website about what those have been replaced with. One example is S/A 10/01 -The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 – Diversionary Works. That can be found for other withdrawn documents and it is very useful.
- For contract documents already underway, and that were started with the previous ‘series XXX’ style specification for highway works, where can we find these? All searches seem to lead back to the new MCHW page.
DMRB alignment
Implementation considerations
- Relative implementation date – is it from 30/9/2025 on all new NH contracts?
- You refer to the ‘Project Team’. In Operations do you deem this to be the Team in Operations managing SDF and PDF Contracts at Framework level i.e. Framework Contract or do you mean Project Managers/Teams in Regions managing a Contract at Works order level within the Framework? The CHE Letter sent out to Operations Suppliers states ‘The updated MCHW documents will start to be implemented in contracts let after the publication date.’ Please provide clarity.
- Will a ‘Major project instruction’ be issued to record the instructions with respect to application on existing projects?
- I am working on a project in construction that is not adopting the new MCHW. Do we need to carry out a review of the updates to the 67 DMRB documents to determine what the impacts are on the design and decide whether to adopt (using Implementation Report for New Standards) or is this not necessary as the updated MCHW is not adopted?
WSR templates
- Have the WSRs been published yet, and if not when will these be released?
- Are there any worked examples for the WSR to help understand how this is completed?
- Is it expected that specifiers edit any of the CC documents as part of the contract specifications or just use the tables as part of the CP documents? As designers, do we only update documents as part of construction specifications within the IfS package of documents?
- Do you need to use the WSR templates for new specifications or can they be incorporated into company-specific reports? Current templates do not include legal text and confidentiality requirements we are required to include in our deliverables.
- When completing GC 100 WSR 001, is there a full downloadable list of every WSR Reference and WSR Title? GC 100_WSR_001 Introduction to the contract specification. GC100_WSR_002 Overseeing Organisation, or do we have to copy out of tables in GP 000 one at a time or copy from here List of new MCHW sections | MCHW Information Hub.
Specific questions on documents
- CC 601 for examples references CC 601/WSR/019, yet there are only 16 chapters in the referenced document.
- As clause 626 has now been removed, can it be clarified that there is no longer a specific requirement for welded gabions used on highways project to have a minimum wire diameter of 3 mm?
- Where is equivalent ‘Imported onto site’ 6H to 6P inclusive. CC 201 only lists 6F1 to 6f5 with exception of 6S?
- When will the updated TAS be released?
Ideas for future developments
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