5 Ways to Use a Steel Road Plate

By Ashley Woodcock General

Steel road plates are a familiar sight across Australian construction sites. Their strength, durability, and versatility make them an essential part of managing safety and access in active work zones.

At RPM Hire, our steel road plates are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance, offering practical solutions for a range of on-site applications.

Here are five of the most common ways to use a steel road plate:

1. Excavation Protection

Steel road plates are commonly used to cover open excavations, helping to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both workers and pedestrians. They also protect the trench and ongoing works from harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and wind.
When using road plates as temporary lids over excavations, it’s important to follow engineering sign-off requirements, and in some cases, use stiffener beams to minimise deflection on busy roadways.

2. Pedestrian Access

At RPM Hire almost all our road plates are non-slip, meaning they’re safe for the community and compliant on all projects. This creates a safe and stable walkway for pedestrians and is essential on and around construction sites. Steel road plates can be installed to cover excavations, uneven surfaces, or hazards, allowing pedestrians to move safely through or around work areas without disruption.

3. Driveway Access

Steel road plates can be used to maintain access to driveways, footpaths, or crossovers during construction. Placing plates across trenches or over gutters ensures a smooth and secure surface for both vehicles and pedestrians, reducing inconvenience for nearby residents or businesses.

In addition to road plates, Fleyg Road Ramps are an excellent solution for driveway access during temporary works. These ramps provide a gradual incline for vehicles to safely transition over road plates or uneven surfaces, improving comfort and reducing impact on vehicles. They are quick to install, highly visible, and compliant with road safety standards, making them ideal for residential and commercial access points.

4. Crane and Heavy Equipment Access

Large cranes and heavy machinery often require stable ground conditions to operate safely. Steel road plates help reinforce soft or uneven ground, providing a reliable base for cranes, trucks, and other equipment to manoeuvre on site.

5. Road Crossings and Temporary Works

When works take place on or across roadways, steel road plates can be installed to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruptions. They’re ideal for creating temporary road surfaces or crossings that allow vehicles to safely pass over ongoing works while maintaining access for the public.

To enhance safety and comfort, Fleyg Road Ramps can also be paired with steel road plates at these crossings. They provide smooth entry and exit transitions for vehicles, reducing noise and potential plate movement while improving overall site safety and traffic management efficiency.

At RPM Hire, we provide high-quality steel road plates, Fleyg Road Ramps, and a wide range of traffic management equipment for hire. At RPM Hire, we prioritise safety, that’s why almost all our road plates are non-slip, keeping the community safe and meeting project compliance standards. Our experienced team can assist with selecting the right plate sizes, ramp solutions, installation guidance, and traffic management services tailored to your project needs.