Transport Scotland operates a nationwide roadside technology network used to monitor and manage Scotland's strategic trunk road and motorway infrastructure.
This network consists of motorway communications nodes and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) cabinets supporting traffic monitoring, communications and motorway management systems.
Amey is responsible for maintaining this infrastructure under its Transport Scotland contract.
Working as a specialist critical power partner, we support Amey in maintaining the resilience of these sites by providing the power and environmental infrastructure that protects the network's communications equipment.
These systems are installed across motorway communications nodes and roadside technology cabinets located throughout Scotland.
Long-Term Support
For over a decade, we have supported Amey in maintaining the critical power infrastructure installed across Transport Scotland's motorway technology network.
Our involvement spans motorway communications nodes and roadside ITS cabinets throughout Scotland, supporting:
- Standby generation
- UPS protection
- Environmental cooling systems
Together, these systems ensure the continuous operation of the communications infrastructure used to monitor and manage Scotland's strategic road network.
Our Approach
Working alongside Amey's operational teams, we support the infrastructure through its full operational lifecycle.
Our role includes:
- Design & specification support for new and replacement infrastructure
- Supply & installation of power and cooling equipment
- System commissioning and operational testing
- Planned preventative maintenance
- UPS battery replacement and lifecycle upgrades
- Emergency callout support
Systems are integrated into Amey's wider network monitoring platforms, allowing operational status and alarms to be managed within the overall motorway technology network.
Challenges
Delivering and maintaining critical infrastructure across roadside technology sites presents a number of operational and engineering challenges.
Motorway communications equipment is typically housed within restricted roadside cabinets or compact communications nodes, where internal space is limited and access can be constrained.
Sites are also located in exposed roadside environments, requiring equipment to operate reliably in varying weather conditions while remaining serviceable for maintenance activities.
Standby generation is deployed using containerised generator systems, allowing units to be delivered, positioned and connected efficiently on site. This approach reduces installation time, minimises disruption and provides a controlled enclosure suitable for long-term roadside deployment.
All installation and maintenance activities must be carefully coordinated to ensure the motorway technology network remains operational while works are carried out.
Outcome
The infrastructure installed across the network provides multiple layers of protection for critical roadside communications systems.
Standby generation ensures key communications nodes remain operational during extended power interruptions, while UPS systems provide immediate power continuity for sensitive communications equipment.
Environmental cooling systems maintain stable operating temperatures within communications nodes, protecting equipment from overheating and environmental stress.
Together, these systems help maintain the reliability of the motorway technology network that supports the monitoring and management of Scotland's strategic road infrastructure.
Project Highlights
- Supporting Transport Scotland infrastructure through Amey's motorway technology contract
- Over a decade of ongoing infrastructure support
- Nationwide coverage across roadside technology sites in Scotland
- 7 diesel standby generators supporting motorway communication nodes
- 17 UPS systems protecting roadside communications equipment
- 11 environmental cooling systems maintaining operational conditions
- UPS installations typically 3–10 kVA single phase
- Infrastructure designed for restricted roadside environments and exposed conditions
- Full lifecycle support including design, installation, commissioning and maintenance