Composite technology specialist, MCL Group Industries’ range of composite road plates have been designed to ease the congestion caused by unmanned and unnecessary roadworks.
Originally developed as part of a joint venture with Radlock systems, the road plates incorporate Radlock's patented Series 15 locking mechanism into their design, which secures the road plates into position without the need for drilling and bolting into the road surface.
The MCL composite road plate system enables utility companies and their contractors to quickly deploy a safe road crossing over roadwork trenches and excavations.
Capable of withstanding a vehicle weighing up to 5.75 tonnes, the road plates inner sections weigh just 44kg, replacing the need for heavy mechanical lifting equipment and ensuring easy installation by just two operatives.
The composite road plates are held in line by integral steel hooks, which are secured using the Radlock Series 15 locking mechanism.
The patented locking system is a heavy-duty product, which is fixed to the underneath of the road plate. Prior to fixing the composite road plate over the excavation, construction workers simply need to tilt the plate and attach the Radlock Series 15 to the bayonet on the underside of the plate, the mechanism is then secured to the bayonet by tightening the thumb screw attached to the lock.
“The locking mechanism on the MCL composite road plates eliminate the need to drill and bolt road plates directly into the road surface,” explained Nick Cowley, country manager of MCL Group Industries. “Traditionally, the method of drilling and bolting these plates into place was expensive and time consuming. The MCL road plate system provides a safe means of maintaining reasonable traffic flow, easing congestion and saving time for utility companies.
“According to recent reports, the Department for Transport (DfT) is planning to introduce penalty fines for councils and utilities companies that leave roadworks unmanned. The lightweight design and easy installation of these composite road plates means construction crews can fit them significantly faster, allowing roads to open sooner, easing congestion and avoiding potential fines.”
MCL Group Industries is a leading manufacturer and supplier of composite products for the utility, construction and infrastructure markets. Full details about the MCL composite road plate system and Radlock Series 15 locking mechanism can be found on the MCL Infrastructure website.
