The updated documents cover an introduction to the DMRB (first published in 1992), requirements for safety risk assessment, use of compressive membrane action in bridge decks and management of corrugated steel buried structures.

Highways England began updating the complete suite of over 350 documents and interim advice notes in April 2017. Updated documents are being released in phases, with the review due to complete by March 2020.

“This is an exciting time for the highways sector as we continue to successfully deliver the record £15Bn investment in roads,” said Mike Wilson of Highways England.

“I would like to thank the devolved administrations and our supply chain who have supported this significant review, which will ensure our roads are designed, built and maintained to the very highest and safest standards for the millions of drivers that use these roads every day.”

The aim is to make the DMRB clearer, more consistent, easier to understand and to implement. It should be easier to incorporate developments in design best practice, leading to greater efficiencies and innovation and fewer departures from standard.

Changes include a new structure of the volumes aligned to asset lifecycle stages, from appraisal to design up to disposal; new numbering systems of documents that reflect the relevant asset lifecycle stage and the specific discipline covered by the document; and a new style of individual clauses to make a clear distinction between requirements and advisory material.

The update  incorporates interim advice notes into the DMRB where relevant; consolidates DMRB ‘A’ (advisory) documents with related ‘D’ (design) documents; and introduces National Application Annexes that cover specific requirements of overseeing organisations.

Photo: Highways England