In Memoriam: Steve Berry OBE

09/04/2021 | DOMINIC BROWNE

It is with enormous sadness that Highways reports on the death of our friend Steve Berry OBE, head of highways maintenance, innovation, resilience, light rail and cableways at the Department for Transport (DfT).

Mr Berry was diagnosed with incurable cancer towards the end of last year. At his own request, he continued working at the DfT up until a few months ago. He died on Wednesday evening at his home, surrounded by his family. 

In a condolence letter sent out to the sector this morning, Stephen Fidler, co-director of local transport, described Mr Berry as 'nothing short of a legend in highways maintenance, and wider local transport circles'.

'You don’t need me to tell you that Steve had an amazing career. He worked for DfT for 31 years having started as a messenger in Ministers’ offices back before Great Minster House was even built,' he wrote.

'The OBE he was awarded in 2014 for services to local highways, innovation and resilience was testament to his dedication, work ethic and natural talent to be innovative, build relationships and get things done. I will miss Steve massively and the department will be a much poorer place without him.'

Mr Berry was at the forefront of the major improvement in asset management in highways maintenance over the last 10 years and was hugely respected within the sector for his diligence and personal commitment as well as his leadership and talent.

He was often seen on the conference circuit and made a real effort to speak to the sector on the frontline to discover the issues highway officers faced.

Former transport minister Jesse Norman, who enjoyed a close working relationship with Mr Berry, described him as the 'OBE-Wan Kenobi' of local roads.    

Steve Spender, chief executive of the Institute of Highway Engineers, said: 'Steve has been a major influence across the industry for a great number of years, as well as supporting the cause of highway maintenance. He has been a great supporter and friend to the IHE for a long time and his knowledge, experience and support will be missed by us all.

'This is terribly sad news for his colleagues, the industry, and the tax paying public who he has served with such enthusiasm whilst achieving such great results. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this incredibly sad time.'

If you have memories you wish to share or best wishes to pass on to Steve’s family, please visit the online condolence book at https://steveberry.muchloved.com/

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Permit Officer - Internal works promoter - WMF2244e

£34,434 - £35,412
The streetworks Permit Officer role within the highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Development Management Engineer

£41,816 - £45,175
You will be based in the Highways Development Team and work closely with colleagues across the wider transport service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Project Officer

£34,203 - £37,067
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated project officer to work in our Highways and Transport Service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW