Pros and Cons of Steel Road Plates vs Plastic Road Plates

Road work andmaintenance projects often require temporary road covers to keep the site safeand accessible for vehicles and pedestrians. Steelroad plates and plastic road plates are two popular options for temporary road covers. Inthis blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both steel road plates andplastic road plates, helping you make an informed decision when choosing atemporary road cover for your project. Whether you're looking for durability,ease of use, or cost-effectiveness, we've got you covered.

What is aSteel Road Plate?

Steel roadplates are flat plates made of steel that are used as temporarycoverings for trenches, ditches, or utility cuts in roads and highways. They are placed over the excavation site toprovide a level surface for vehicles and pedestrians to pass over safely. Steelroad plates are commonly made from durable, heavy-duty steel that can withstandthe weight of heavy vehicles and traffic, and are often coated withanti-corrosive materials to prevent rust and corrosion. 

The Pros and Cons of Steel Road Plates

Pros of Steel Road Plates:

1. Durability: Steel road plates are made of heavy-duty steel and are designed to withstand heavy traffic, making them a good choice for long-term use or sites with heavy traffic.

2. Load-Bearing Capacity: Steel road plates have a high load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for heavy vehicles and machinery.

3. Anti-Corrosive Properties: Many steel road plates are coated with anti-corrosive materials to prevent rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting solution for road work or maintenance projects.

4. Recyclable: Steel is a recyclable material, making steel road plates an environmentally friendly option.

Cons of Steel Road Plates:

5. Weight: Steel road plates are heavy, making them difficult to handle and install.

6. Cost: Steel road plates can be more expensive than other options such as plastic road plates.

7. Noise: Steel road plates can create more noise compared to plastic road plates when vehicles pass over them.

8. Damage: Steel road plates can become damaged or dented if they are not properly maintained, which may reduce their load-bearing capacity and make them unsafe for use.

What is a Plastic Road Plate?

A plastic road plate is a temporary cover used to cover trenches, ditches, or utility cuts in roads and highways. It is made of a plastic material and serves the same purpose as a steel road plate. Plastic road plates are lighter than steel plates, making them easier to handle and install. They are also often cheaper than steel plates and provide a temporary solution for road work or maintenance projects. Some plastic road plates are made from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly option. However, they may not be as durable as steel plates and may not be suitable for heavy traffic or longer-term use.

The Pros and Cons of Plastic Road Plates

Pros of Plastic Road Plates:

1. Lightweight: Plastic road plates are lighter than steel plates, making them easier to handle and install.

2. Cost-Effective:

Plastic road plates are often cheaper than steel plates, making them a cost-effective solution for road work or maintenance projects.

3. Environmentally Friendly: Some plastic road plates are made from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly option.

4. Reduced Noise: Plastic road plates are quieter than steel plates, making them a good choice for areas with noise restrictions.

Cons of Plastic Road Plates:

1. Durability: Plastic road plates may not be as durable as steel plates and may not be suitable for heavy traffic or longer-term use.

2. Load-Bearing Capacity: Plastic road plates may have a lower load-bearing capacity compared to steel plates, making them unsuitable for heavy vehicles and machinery.

3. Weather-Resistant: Plastic road plates may not be as weather-resistant as steel plates, and may become brittle or break down in extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

4. Not Recyclable: Some plastic road plates are not recyclable, making them a less environmentally friendly option compared to steel road plates.

Which Road Plate Should I Use?

The choice between steel road plates and plastic road plates depends on the specific needs of your project. If you need a long-term solution for a site with heavy traffic, steel road plates may be the best option due to their durability and load-bearing capacity. 

Steel plates can be used for a variety of uses in construction. A few examples include:

• Driveway Access
• Road Crossings
• Crane Access
• Excavation Protection
• Pedestrian Access
• Temporary Roads
• Concrete Protection
• Construction Excavation Crossings
• End Plates for Shoring Boxes

Hiring Road Plates for Your Project

To work with a reliable and professional road plate hire company, contact Scope Cranes and Logistics today! Scope Cranes & Logistics specialise in lift and shift work and are your one-stop shop for any transport or lifting requirements, and we can help you determine which road plate is most suitable for your project. We’re a family-owned business located in Geebung with a 15-year history in the Crane and Transport industry.

For a free quote on any of our crane hire services for your next project contact us today by giving us a call or filling out our online form.

COMPANY

CONTACT

3B/420 Bilsen Road
Geebung, QLD 4034