Road Plate Sizes
Road Plate Sizes, Weights & Thickness Guide
Choosing the right road plate size is important for safety, site access and efficient delivery. Steel road plates are commonly used to cover trenches, road openings, driveway cuts, utility works and temporary vehicle crossings while construction or repair work is underway.
The standard steel road plate is 2400mm x 1200mm x 25mm . This size is popular because it provides useful coverage for common civil, drainage and utility works while still being practical to transport, lift and position on site.
Our standard plate is 2400mm x 1200mm x 25mm , manufactured from high grade 350 steel and weighing approximately 565kg each . This footprint is familiar to contractors because it is the same length and width as a standard sheet of plywood, while the 25mm steel thickness provides a practical heavy-duty option for trench covers, road openings, driveway access and temporary vehicle crossings.
Road Plate Size And Weight Details
| Specification | Details | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2400mm | Provides useful coverage across trenches, service cuts and temporary openings. |
| Width | 1200mm | A practical width for site handling, delivery and common trench cover requirements. |
| Thickness | 25mm | Suitable for heavy-duty applications when correctly selected, placed and secured. |
| Approx. weight | 565kg each | Requires suitable lifting equipment such as a forklift, excavator or Hiab. |
| Material | High grade 350 steel | Provides strength and durability for repeated civil and construction use. |
What Thickness Road Plate Do You Need?
Road plate thickness depends on the intended use, the size of the opening being covered, ground conditions and the expected load. Thin plates may be suitable for pedestrian access, while vehicle access generally requires a thicker, heavier steel plate.
As a general guide, pedestrian access may use thinner steel plates, while vehicle crossings and road openings usually require heavier-duty plates such as 25mm steel. If the plate will be exposed to trucks, heavy machinery or repeated vehicle traffic, the installation method and site conditions become even more important.
Common Uses For 2400 x 1200 Steel Road Plates
- Covering drainage trenches and service cuts
- Temporary vehicle access across excavations
- Driveway access during civil or utility works
- Water, power, fibre and gas service repairs
- Temporary road openings that need to remain trafficable
- Construction hazards requiring temporary steel coverage
How To Choose The Right Road Plate Size
Measure The Opening
Measure the trench, excavation or temporary cut and allow enough overlap onto stable ground around the opening.
Consider The Load
Pedestrian access, cars, trucks and site machinery all create different loading requirements.
Check Site Access
Confirm whether a forklift or excavator is available, or whether Hiab delivery and placement is required.
Plan For Securing
Depending on the site, plates may need to be secured, recessed, ramped or managed as part of the traffic setup.
Delivery And Handling
Because each road plate weighs approximately 565kg, plates cannot be moved by hand. Delivery can be arranged by flat deck where suitable lifting equipment is already available on site, or by Hiab where lifting support is needed.
Our plates are fitted with practical lifting and fastening features to make placement easier on busy civil and utility sites. If you are unsure what delivery method is best, send through the site address, number of plates required and the available machinery on site.
Send us the trench dimensions, site address, expected hire length and preferred delivery method and we can help work through the best option for your site.
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Road Plate Size FAQs
What size are your road plates?
Our standard plates are 2400mm x 1200mm x 25mm.
How much does each road plate weigh?
Each plate weighs approximately 565kg.
Can road plates be lifted by hand?
No. Suitable lifting equipment is required due to the weight of the plate.
Are 25mm road plates suitable for vehicle access?
They are commonly used for vehicle access, but suitability depends on trench width, ground conditions, expected traffic and installation method.
Can you help work out how many plates I need?
Yes. Send through the site address, trench dimensions, access requirements and hire duration and we can help work through the likely plate quantity.
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