Detailed Highway Designs

ttc deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective Detailed Highway Designs for both public and private sector transport infrastructure projects.

What is a Detailed Highway Design?

A Detailed Highway Design is the process of developing technical drawings and specifications for new or modified roads, junctions, and associated infrastructure. It translates initial design concepts into fully engineered solutions that meet regulatory standards and construction requirements. This stage ensures compliance with UK standards, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) for strategic roads and the Manual for Streets for urban environments, all of which are presented in accordance with the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW).

Technical Excellence in Detailed Highway Design

At TTC, we provide high-quality, buildable, and cost-effective detailed highway designs for both public and private sector infrastructure projects, drawing on our deep understanding of UK highway design guidance and engineering best practices. Our design services bridge the gap between initial planning concepts and live construction, ensuring that every scheme is safe, compliant, and adoptable.

Navigating Section 278 and Section 38 Agreements

Our approach to Detailed Highway Design is centred around precision, compliance, and innovation. We work closely with local authorities, developers, and contractors to create practical and buildable designs that balance functionality, safety, and environmental considerations.

Securing technical approval from Local Highway Authorities or National Highways is often the most critical hurdle in the timeline of development planning. Our expertise and proven track record lies in navigating the complexities of:

Section 184 (S184) Agreements: we provide the design works required to construct or alter vehicle crossings over public footways or verges, ensuring that access to developments, such as new residential or commercial sites, is built to proper safety and construction standards.

Section 278 (S278) Agreements: we design works required on existing public highways, such as new site accesses, junction improvements and cycle infrastructure.

Section 38 (S38) Agreements: we lead the design of new estate roads and infrastructure intended for future adoption by the local authority, ensuring they meet all local standards for geometry, drainage, and lighting.

Our Design Standards & Compliance

Our engineering team operates at the forefront of UK design guidance. We ensure every technical drawing and specification is fully compliant with:

• The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB): For strategic road networks and higher-speed environments.

• The Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW): Ensuring all specifications are ready for tendering and construction.

• Manual for Streets (MfS 1 & 2): Applying “place-making” principles to urban and residential street design to balance movement and community.
  
• Local Authority Design guidance: Applying site specific design principles to ensure technical compliance.
  
• National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): Application of key design principles to ensure compliant surface water drainage design for new developments.

Our Approach to Detailed Highway Designs

A successful detailed design requires more than just road layouts. We work closely with local authorities, developers, and contractors to create practical and cohesive packages that utilise industry-leading design software and the latest engineering standards.

Road Layout Design: Developing precise horizontal and vertical alignments for new roads, junctions, and highway improvements.

Vehicle Tracking & Swept Path Analysis: Using industry-standard software to verify that the design accommodates the largest anticipated vehicles, from refuse vehicles to HGVs.

Drainage & SuDS Integration: Designing robust surface water management systems that comply with National Standards, local authority requirements and environmental regulations.

Active Travel Infrastructure: Prioritising the needs of pedestrians and cyclists through high-quality, LTN 1/20 compliant designs.

Road Markings & Signage Design: Providing full technical specifications for road markings and regulatory signage to ensure operational safety in accordance with The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions and Traffic Signs Manual.

Need support with Detailed Highway Design for your project?

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements.