Among the recipients this year were Transport for London’s Michael Barratt (pictured left), who was awarded an MBE, and Cardiff University’s Professor Karen Holford (pictured right) and AECOM’s Dr Robin Sham who each received CBEs.

Responding to the news Michael Barratt FCIHT – who is TfL’s development impact assessment lead – said: “It’s a pleasant surprise to be recognised in the New Year’s Honours and I cannot think of a better way to start off 2018.”

Michael works alongside developers and construction companies to ensure that London remains safe and accessible for its people while works are delivered, and is in charge of coordinating roadworks across the capital to minimise their impact.

He runs monthly road safety patrols which see him take different road users including cyclists and people with disabilities around areas where there is construction taking place in an effort to identify accessibility improvements. This initiative was recognised with the CIHT John Smart Road Safety Award in 2017.

Another worthy recipient of an award is Cardiff University’s deputy vice-chancellor Professor Karen Holford who receives a CBE for services to engineering and the advancement of women in science and engineering.

Alongside her academic research – which has included key contributions to the development of acoustic emission monitoring systems that improve the safety monitoring of bridges – Professor Holford has shown a long term commitment to supporting girls and young women in the industry.

She commented: “I'm still in shock, but delighted to have been awarded a CBE for services to engineering and for my work in encouraging young people, especially girls, to consider studying STEM subjects.
 
She added: “Engineering is a team endeavour, so I’m accepting this award on behalf of all the brilliant people that I have worked with over many years.”

AECOM’s global long span and speciality bridges director Dr Robin Sham also received a CBE for services to civil engineering.

He has made vital contributions to the profession, having pioneered construction engineering for large bridges and delivered major structures in the far east including the world’s first three pylon, two main span continuous suspension bridge – the Taizhou Bridge in China.

Last year he also designed a 31m Guinness world record breaking suspension bridge made entirely out of Lego. Dr Sham said: “I am extremely delighted to receive a CBE for services to the civil engineering profession. The recognition it brings raises the profile of engineering and will help me encourage more people to join the industry.

“Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work with so many brilliant people who have mentored and encouraged me. I would like to thank all of them for their support over the years.”

Other sector professionals recognised in the New Year’s Honours include former High Speed 2 director general Dr David Prout, who was named a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Association of Community Rail Partnerships general manager John Buxton and former Department for Transport deputy director for high speed rail legislation and environment Dave Buttery received OBEs.

MBEs went to Network Rail’s Cindy Beckford – the principal programme controls manager in its high speed rail phase one team – as well as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers railway division’s business coordinator Cliff Perry.

Margaret Martin received an MBE for voluntary service to road safety in Northern Ireland and STEMNET trustee Professor Matthew Harrison received the same honour for services to engineering and education.