Find the Best Road Plate Hire Near You

A road plate is a heavy-duty metal or composite plate used to cover excavations, trenches, or holes in roadways, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to pass safely. These plates provide a temporary surface to maintain traffic flow and protect construction sites during roadworks. They are commonly used in areas where ground access needs to be preserved while work is ongoing, such as utility repairs or road maintenance.

Road plates work by covering open excavations or damaged road surfaces, creating a stable and safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians. They are placed over trenches or holes and can be secured with deck pins, anchors, or road spikes to prevent shifting. Some plates come with anti-slip coatings to enhance safety, especially in wet conditions, ensuring that the surface remains stable and reduces the risk of accidents.

There are three main types of road plates: steel, aluminium, and composite. Steel road plates are the most durable and can handle heavy traffic and large loads. Aluminium plates are lighter than steel and resist rust but are typically used for lighter traffic. Composite or plastic road plates are the lightest, easy to install, and best suited for pedestrian areas or low-traffic zones. Each type is selected based on the specific requirements of the project and load-bearing needs.

The weight capacity of a road plate depends on its material and thickness. Steel road plates can support vehicles weighing up to 44 tonnes, making them suitable for heavy traffic and construction equipment. Composite plates, while strong, usually handle lighter loads and are ideal for pedestrian traffic or smaller vehicles. The exact load capacity can vary, so it’s important to choose the right plate based on the expected weight and traffic conditions.

Road plates typically range in thickness from 12 mm to over 25 mm, depending on the material and intended use. Steel plates are usually thicker to accommodate higher weight loads, whereas composite plates are designed to be thinner but still strong enough for pedestrian or light vehicle traffic. The appropriate thickness is determined by the level of support needed for the specific project.

Steel road plates are secured using methods such as bolting, pinning, or using anti-skid materials to prevent movement. Proper installation often involves mechanical lifting equipment due to the weight of steel plates, followed by securing the plate edges with deck pins, anchors, or road spikes. Ensuring the plate is stable and properly secured is crucial to prevent displacement and ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians passing over it.

Road plates come in various sizes to accommodate different trench widths, vehicle loads, and site requirements. Common dimensions include:

• Length: 2 m to 6 m – to cover short or long trench sections.
• Width: 1 m to 2 m – suitable for single-lane or wider access points.
• Thickness: 10 mm to 25 mm – depending on the expected load, from light vehicles to heavy trucks.

Custom sizes are also available for irregular trench layouts or specialised applications, ensuring safe and stable passage for vehicles and pedestrians over excavations.

Yes, road plates are designed to support heavy vehicles, including trucks and construction machinery. Their load-bearing capacity depends on plate thickness, material (usually steel), and size, as well as proper placement and ground support underneath.

When installed correctly, road plates provide safe and stable passage over excavations, trenches, or uneven surfaces, preventing damage to both vehicles and the underlying ground while maintaining site safety.

Road plates are installed to provide safe, stable access over excavations or trenches. The installation process generally involves:

• Site preparation – clearing the area and ensuring a level, stable base.
• Positioning plates – using cranes, forklifts, or other lifting equipment to place the steel plates over the trench or excavation.
• Securing plates – overlapping edges or using pins, wedges, or rubber pads to prevent movement and ensure stability.
• Inspection – checking alignment, load distribution, and any trip hazards before allowing vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Proper installation ensures vehicle safety, prevents plate movement, and protects both the ground and vehicles passing over the plates.