1-858 Departures from Standards - Technical Approval Stage 4b- Continuation of the roll out of new Departures Manual , communication and integration into the ongoing development to the DAS 3.0 Database

On 1 April 2015 the Highways Agency became Highways England, a government company charged with operating England's Motorway and All Purpose Trunk Road network. The statutory directions and guidance which apply to Highways England are defined in a Licence and the overall governance framework defines the relationship between government and Highways England. Highways England is also obliged to retain records of any justifications when departures from standards are considered. The departure from standards process is a key aspect of the 'added value' delivery of trunk road works and supports the technical governance aspects of the Road Investment Strategy. It provides: - a structured means of ensuring discharge of Highways England's legal and statutory responsibilities under health and safety, and highway legislation is maintained. - supporting evidence to drive improvements in highways construction and maintenance standards and guidance, locking in cost reductions

Departures from Standard are considered in circumstances where there is little practical alternative except at disproportionately high construction cost, whole life cost, delays, environmental impact, effect on programme, etc. This project and Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4a which preceded it are aligned with a suite of Projects which are undertaking the review of the DMRB.