Trench Plates: When to Use Steel or Lightweight

Keeping Your Work Zone Safe, Efficient, and Fully Compliant

In utility and infrastructure work, especially when operating in the right-of-way, trench plates are a crucial part of your safety strategy. Whether you're patching a utility line under a busy road or running telecom conduit through a neighborhood sidewalk, you need a solution that protects both your crew and the public while keeping your project in compliance with local and state regulations.

But not all trench plates are created equal. Choosing between steel or lightweight trench plates depends on your work zone type, load requirements, project duration, and even local code. Making the right call can mean the difference between a safe, seamless operation and a jobsite that draws liability and delay.

Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

What Exactly Are Trench Plates?

Trench plates are heavy-duty covers placed over open trenches to allow foot or vehicle traffic to safely pass over a work zone. They’re most commonly used in road construction, utility installation, and emergency repairs where the trench cannot be backfilled immediately.

At The Barricade Company, we supply and install both steel and lightweight trench plates, tailored to your job’s specific requirements. Our team has deep knowledge of local agency requirements across Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the broader Southwest region.

Steel Trench Plates

When to Use:

• Roads and intersections with vehicular traffic
• Long-term projects requiring high durability
• Jobs involving heavy machinery or truck access
  

Benefits:

• Extremely strong – supports heavy equipment and large volumes of traffic
• Reusable across multiple jobs, making them cost-effective for frequent use
• Proven durability even in extreme conditions
  

Considerations:

• Heavy – often requires equipment to lift and position
• May create noise and vibration under traffic
• In many jurisdictions, it must be removed or ramped during off-hours or non-active work periods

Steel trench plates are the industry standard for roadway work for a reason. Their strength and reliability make them the go-to solution when safety under load is non-negotiable.

Lightweight Trench Plates

When to Use:

• Pedestrian-heavy areas, like sidewalks or highly populated urban areas
• Residential streets with light vehicle traffic
• Telecom, fiber, and electric utility work
• Projects requiring frequent movement of plates by small crews
  

Benefits:

• Lightweight and fast to install – no heavy equipment needed
• Non-conductive – essential for electric and data utility work
• ADA-compliant with proper ramps for pedestrian zones
• Quieter operation – ideal for neighborhoods or sensitive areas
  

Considerations:

• Not rated for heavy traffic or high-speed zones
• May require anchoring depending on site conditions
• Not always permitted on major roads – check with local DOT requirements
  

Lightweight trench plates are perfect when agility and ease of installation are top priorities. They’re especially useful for day jobs, quick-turn utility work, and locations with access limitations.

Local Regulations Matter

Each municipality — whether it's Clark County, Maricopa County, or beyond — has unique codes regarding trench plate material, installation, signage, and edge treatment. Using the wrong plate or failing to follow spec can trigger inspections, work stoppages, or even fines.

That’s where The Barricade Company comes in. We don’t just drop plates — we help you plan around local regulations, traffic control permits, and safety best practices. Our crews are trained to secure trench plates properly and meet city and county codes every time.

Safety First – Always

The right trench plate doesn’t just prevent a trip-and-fall or vehicle damage — it protects your crew, your budget, and your timeline. At The Barricade Company, safety isn’t just a line on paper — it’s how we do business. Every project gets the same attention to detail, from major highway work to utility installs on a quiet residential street.

We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re working on a 6-month roadway rehab or a two-day fiber drop, our team can help you pick the right trench plate for your conditions—steel for strength, lightweight for speed.

Contact The Barricade Company today for trench plate rentals, traffic control planning, or a free consultation in Nevada or Arizona. We’ll make sure your job stays safe, compliant, and on schedule.