Sue has led CIHT for the past seven years, over which time the Institution has grown in membership, reach and influence. She also holds a number of voluntary and non-executive director roles, and has worked in the built environment sector for over 25 years.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been recognised in this way,” said Sue Percy. “I passionately believe that highways and transportation play a central and vital role in supporting a prosperous, equitable and healthy society and I will continue to champion our sector and those who work in it.”

She added: “My award reflects the support and hard work of the great people I work with; my colleagues, CIHT Trustees and members, and our stakeholders.”

Also commenting on Sue’s CBE, CIHT President Matthew Lugg OBE said: “This honour is in recognition for the tireless work and enthusiasm that Sue has brought to the industry over the years.

“This has included taking the lead on many of the challenges affecting highways and transportation professionals including tacking the skills shortage and highlighting the step change needed to improve the diversity of our industry.

“It is a great privilege for CIHT to have Sue playing a leading role in our industry and we are proud that she has been awarded this honour.”

Other recipients of CBEs from the highways and transportation sector include Network Rail’s former director of the Thameslink Programme Simon Blanchflower – now of the East West Rail Company – and Department for Transport aviation director Caroline Low.

Current Crossrail Chairman and former head of the Infrastructure & Projects Authority Tony Meggs was named a Companion of the Order of the Bath while Dr Louise Brooke-Smith of Arcadis receives an OBE for services to the built environment and diversity and inclusion.

DfT deputy director for airport capacity delivery Sacha Hatteea receives an OBE, as does UK BIM Alliance chair Dr Anne Kemp of Atkins for services to digital construction innovation.

MBE’s were awarded to Brighton & Hove Buses accessibility and communities manager Victoria Garcia for services to disabled transport users, DfT head of the Year of Engineering communications Joanne Parry and founder of the Royal Institution’s Engineering Masterclass Programme Dr Diane Crann.

Network Rail incident officer Ian Harris receives an MBE for services to the railway in South Wales, Sally Buttifant for services to the railway and the community in Cheshire and Dr Ann Glen for services to education, railway heritage and the community in Airdrie.

A British Empire Medal was awarded to Maria Coulter of the Construction Coach for services to diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.