What are Plastic Temporary Roadways?

Fast delivery and installations are essential planning strategies for temporary roadway contractors, with access systems often being hastily laid in preparation for major events such as outdoor exhibitions, conventions or shows. Choosing the most effective access solution may well contribute to an event being regarded as a success or otherwise.

Materials technology has enabled the production of many different types and styles of temporary roadways, offering designers a much wider scope when considering factors such as ground conditions and weather etc. Plastic and aluminium panels dominate the temporary roadway marketplace; each representing an excellent choice depending on the site and project requirements.

Why choose plastic?

House building, construction and other civil engineering projects are highly dependent on the constant flow of goods and associated equipment to maintain the supply chain and help keep projects on track. Because plastic is very light when compared to other materials, it is possible to transport many more panels per lorry load, meaning fewer trips and a welcome saving on transport and fuel costs. The high density grades of plastic used in panel manufacture are 100% recyclable and are resistant to solvents and UV damage and will not contaminate the ground with chemicals.

Temporary plastic roadways are often associated with the need to counteract the effects of mud for easy site navigation and travel, and although this is very important for vehicular and pedestrian access, plastic has other key benefits, including being a non-conductor of electricity which means plastic can be deployed on sites where overhead power lines and other electrical installations could pose a potential hazard.

Integrated camlock connection

Many types of plastic temporary roadways incorporate a design feature that makes panel joining a breeze, with integrated camlocks that enable connections to be made manually without the need for any specialist tools. Plastic temporary roadways are ideal in work settings where logistical requirements often change from one day to the next, and the ease of installation and connection means panels can be re- relocated at speed as the site progresses and evolves. An excellent feature of this design means any thermal expansion of the panels is absorbed by the camlock system.

Highly versatile

Moulding techniques used in manufacture allow for some types of plastic panels to benefit from a dual sided tread pattern, with one side suitable for vehicles and the other having a finer tread for pedestrian use. Depending on the particular application, plastic panels also come in a variety of thicknesses and can provide secure access over almost any ground, providing stability and strength for heavy plant vehicles. Plastic temporary roadways provide a tough anti-slip surface and are an effective barrier against uneven ground and sludge, they can also give welcome protection from dust in extremely dry conditions.

TPA can recommend the most effective plastic temporary system to meet your site requirements and be on-hand to advise and assist throughout. As one of Europe’s most prolific suppliers of temporary access systems, TPA have highly experienced installation teams and an award winning transport fleet that has supported prestigious clients in sectors such as rail, utilities, construction, outdoor events and renewable energy projects.