Amey completes major move of National Highways’ Northeast Operations Centre

Amey has finished relocating National Highways’ Northeast Regional Operations Centre as part of the strategic ‘Smaller, Better, Greener’ programme, which aims to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint by 2030.

The centre, which plays a crucial role in managing traffic signage, coordinating emergency responses, and detecting breakdowns, had been based at Kestrel House for two decades. It is now operating from Calder View House in Wakefield, a facility designed to be more environmentally efficient and operationally effective.

The relocation, a complex multi-year project, involved transforming a vacant commercial building into a fully functioning command and control hub. Works included constructing a new control room capable of supporting 22 large-screen displays and a seven-ton uninterruptible power supply system. Amey also laid 7.5 kilometres of data cabling beneath the floor and installed 32 data cabinets to maintain critical operations.

A small section of biodiversity was removed to make space for a new generator and fuel tank. To offset this, Amey introduced ecological measures such as bat boxes, insect hotels, and hedgehog shelters.

Vanessa Bloomfield, senior project manager at National Highways, said:“The Amey team consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating professionalism and initiative. Their proactive approach helped resolve potential challenges quickly and ensured continuity of our digital services.”

Ian Warren, Amey’s business director, commented:“This project highlights the scale and complexity involved in relocating a major operations centre. From careful planning to technical design, it required close coordination at every stage. We’re proud to deliver a modern, fully operational facility that will support National Highways’ work for years to come while reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability.”