Iron Lot is a nationwide distributor of steel road plates for contractors, utility crews, excavation companies, road builders, and municipal/public works buyers.
If you need road plates for trench work, utility repairs, construction access, or temporary traffic coverage, Iron Lot can help you source steel road plates and related equipment for your jobsite needs. Contact Iron Lot for current pricing, availability, shipping options, and quote information.
Iron Lot primarily supplies 1-inch steel road plates, which are commonly used for many road and utility applications. Other thicknesses, including 1¼-inch and 1½-inch road plates, may be available depending on the project requirements. For off-road applications, ¾-inch plate may be considered where appropriate.
Iron Lot’s road plate tabulated data references minimum ASTM A36 steel with a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi.
Request a Quote for Steel Road Plates
Request a quote today or call Iron Lot 336-516-8011 to discuss the road plates your project requires.
Iron Lot makes the quote process simple. Use the contact form on this page or call Iron Lot to request current pricing and availability for steel road plates.
When requesting a quote, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Plate size needed
- Plate quantity
- Job location
- Intended use
- Required timeline
- Delivery or shipping needs
- Whether road plate lifters or handling equipment may be needed
- Any known site requirements, local requirements, or tabulated data requirements
If you are not sure which road plate size or thickness your project requires, contact Iron Lot. We can help you gather the right information so the plate selection can be reviewed against project needs, tabulated data, and site-specific requirements.
Contact Iron Lot for Current Pricing – 336-516-8011
Common Uses for Steel Road Plates
Steel road plates, also called trench plates, are used to temporarily cover excavations, trenches, utility cuts, and uneven work areas. They help maintain access for vehicles, pedestrians, and equipment while construction, utility, or road work is underway.
Iron Lot supplies ASTM A36 steel road plates for contractors, utility crews, municipalities, and public works projects. A36 steel is commonly used in structural plate applications because of its strength, weldability, and broad availability. Iron Lot’s road plate tabulated data references minimum ASTM A36 steel with a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi.
Contractors commonly use steel road plates as trench covers, temporary roadway plates, construction access plates, and pedestrian walkway covers. They are often used on utility jobs, street repairs, trenching projects, public works projects, and other work areas where temporary access must be maintained.
Common Road Plate Applications
- Utility trench coverage
- Road and street repair work
- Temporary construction access
- Excavation coverage
- Municipal and public works projects
- Contractor jobsite access
- Temporary steel plate bridging where appropriate tabulated data and jobsite conditions allow
Available Options, Sizes and Weights
Selection
Road plate selection should be based on plate size, thickness, span, jobsite conditions, traffic conditions, local requirements, and applicable tabulated data. Contractors should confirm requirements with the project’s competent person, engineer, municipality, or other authority when required.
Common Sizes: 4×4, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20. Other sizes are also available
Options
Options include having holes cut for easy lifting with a chain, or adding lifting devices. We can also provide other steel grades like ASTM A572-50 steel plates if needed for your application. Other thickness of steel plate are available for different applications and uses.
Road Plate Tabulated Data and Jobsite Requirements
Iron Lot’s road plate tabulated data includes steel trench plate sizes, plate thicknesses, approximate weights, and maximum allowable span information. The tabulated data references HS20-44 loading and minimum ASTM A36 steel.
The table below includes common examples from Iron Lot’s road plate tabulated data for 1-inch and 1¼-inch steel road plates. You can also view, print, or download the complete
Road plates should be selected and used according to applicable tabulated data, site conditions, traffic conditions, local requirements, and competent person or engineering review where required. Requirements can vary by municipality, roadway condition, traffic speed, trench width, plate thickness, soil/support conditions, and other jobsite factors.
If your project does not require ASTM A36 road plates with tabulated data, Iron Lot may have additional steel plate options available depending on your application. Contact Iron Lot to confirm current road plate options, pricing, availability, and project requirements before ordering.
| Road Plate Size | Plate Thickness | Plate Weight (lb) | Max Allowable Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’x8′ | 1″ | 1,307 | 4′-6″ |
| 4’x8′ | 1.25″ | 1,633 | 7′ |
| 4’x10′ | 1″ | 1,633 | 4′-6″ |
| 4’x10′ | 1.25″ | 2,042 | 7′ |
| 5’x8′ | 1″ | 1,633 | 4′-6″ |
| 5’x8′ | 1.25″ | 2,042 | 7′ |
| 5’x10′ | 1″ | 2,042 | 4′-6″ |
| 5’x10′ | 1.25″ | 2,552 | 7′ |
| 6’x10′ | 1″ | 2,450 | 4′-6″ |
| 6’x10′ | 1.25″ | 3,062 | 7′ |
| 6’x12′ | 1″ | 2,940 | 4′-6″ |
| 6’x12′ | 1.25″ | 3,675 | 7′ |
| 8’x10′ | 1″ | 3,267 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x10′ | 1.25″ | 4,084 | 7′ |
| 8’x12′ | 1″ | 3,920 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x12′ | 1.25″ | 4,900 | 7′ |
| 8’x14′ | 1″ | 4,573 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x14′ | 1.25″ | 5,717 | 7′ |
| 8’x15′ | 1″ | 4,900 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x15′ | 1.25″ | 6,125 | 7′ |
| 8’x16′ | 1″ | 5,227 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x16′ | 1.25″ | 6,533 | 7′ |
| 8’x20′ | 1″ | 6,533 | 4′-6″ |
| 8’x20′ | 1.25″ | 8,167 | 7′ |
| 10’x12′ | 1″ | 4,900 | 4′-6″ |
| 10’x12′ | 1.25″ | 6,125 | 7′ |
| 10’x14′ | 1″ | 5,717 | 4′-6″ |
| 10’x14′ | 1.25″ | 7,146 | 7′ |
| 10’x20′ | 1″ | 8,167 | 4′-6″ |
| 10’x20′ | 1.25″ | 10,208 | 7′ |
Plate availability can vary. Contact Iron Lot 336-516-8011 to confirm current inventory, pricing, shipping options, and project requirements before ordering.
Key Notes from the Tabulated Data
- 1-inch steel plates are shown with a maximum allowed span of 4′-6″
- 1¼-inch steel plates are shown with a maximum allowed span of 7′
- The tabulated data references minimum ASTM A36 steel
- The notes indicate that span or trench width is designed for HS20-44 loading
- The chart is based on stable trench conditions
- Stability should be determined by a competent person or engineer
- Plates may require anchorage depending on speed, slope, and local requirements
- Edge overlap requirements vary based on traffic speed and use conditions
Note: This information should not replace project-specific review. Road plate requirements can vary by municipality, roadway condition, traffic speed, trench width, plate thickness, soil/support conditions, and other jobsite factors.
For current road plate options and tabulated data information, contact Iron Lot before ordering.
View Road Plate Tabulated Data
Steel road plates offer several benefits, including:
- Temporary Access: They allow vehicles, pedestrians, and equipment to safely traverse over excavated or uneven surfaces.
- Traffic Flow Management: Road plates help maintain smooth traffic flow by providing a stable pathway during a utility construction project.
- Safety Enhancement: They may feature anti-slip surfaces and high-visibility colors. Both can increase safety by improving traction and visibility, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Protection of Underground Utilities: Road plates can protect underground utilities, such as pipes or cables, from accidental damage during repair work.
- Versatility: Road plates can be used in a wide range of applications, including construction sites, public events, utility repairs, and more.
Overall, road plates are essential temporary solutions. They ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic across open trenches or uneven surfaces, while minimizing disruptions and maintaining project productivity.
Installing Road Plates
When selected, placed, and secured according to applicable requirements, steel roadway plates can help maintain temporary access across excavations, trenches, utility cuts, and work areas.
The metal plates are set into asphalt of a road to temporarily cover a hole dug for utility maintenance. The steel road plates are installed by placing them over the excavation or trench, creating a temporary bridge or cover. They are set in place with heavy machinery such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, loaders, and cranes. They are secured in place using appropriate methods such as bolts, cold patch asphalt, or clamps such as plate locks. Once the work is completed or the temporary access is no longer required, road plates can be easily removed.
Road Plates vs. Trench Plates
The terms “road plates” and “trench plates” are often used in similar ways. In many construction and utility settings, both terms refer to steel plates used to cover excavations, trenches, or temporary openings.
In general:
- Road plates often refers broadly to steel plates used for temporary access, road work, utility cuts, and construction traffic areas.
- Trench plates often refers more specifically to plates used over trenches or excavations. They are sometimes used as part of a trench safety and shielding plan.
Iron Lot supplies steel road plates for contractors and utility crews, and we also maintain a dedicated page for trench plate information.
Learn more about trench plates
Iron Lot also offers Road Plate Lifting Systems
Steel road plates are heavy and require proper handling. Depending on plate size, thickness, jobsite access, and equipment availability, contractors may need lifting equipment designed to help move and position steel road plates safely and efficiently.
Iron Lot can help buyers think through road plate handling needs as part of the quote process. If your project requires frequent plate movement, utility crew access, or daily placement and removal, ask about road plate lifters and handling options.
Before lifting or moving road plates, contractors should follow equipment manufacturer instructions, jobsite safety practices, competent person requirements, and applicable lifting/rigging procedures.
Why Contractors Buy Road Plates From Iron Lot
Contractors choose Iron Lot because we understand the equipment needs of excavation, underground utility, road work, and construction projects.
Iron Lot can help with:
- Steel road plate quotes
- Nationwide road plate distribution and sourcing
- Road plates for trench, utility, and construction work
- Tabulated data questions
- Road plate lifting and handling options
- Related trench safety equipment
- Practical quote support from people familiar with construction equipment
Request a quote on this page or contact Iron Lot 336-516-8011 for current road plate pricing, availability, and shipping options.
Iron Lot also supplies related equipment and resources for excavation, trench safety, and construction access projects.
Related Equipment and Resources
- Trench Plates
- Steel Road Plate Usage Guide
- Road Plate Tabulated Data
- Road Plate Lifters
- Trench Boxes
- Contact Iron Lot
- Financing Options
Request A Quote For Road Plates
Need steel road plates for a construction, utility, road work, or trench project?
Use the contact form on this page or call Iron Lot to request current pricing and availability. Tell us the plate size, quantity, job location, timeline, and whether you need lifting or handling options.
Iron Lot is ready to help you quote road plates for your next project. Call 336-516-8011 or fill out the form at the top of the page.