The manual is a "living document" that the Bridges and Structures Division regularly reviews and amends to stay in line with modern research. Recent updates include:

: Standards for dead loads, superimposed dead loads, wind actions, temperature effects, and traffic actions.

: The manual transitioned from British structural design standards to Eurocodes , incorporating UK National Annexes modified to suit Hong Kong's specific environmental conditions and material properties.

: Most highway structures and railway bridges are required to achieve a 120-year design life .